Seven things God hates

Today, let's explore a topic that's both sobering and enlightening: the seven things that God hates, as listed in Proverbs 6:16-19.

Understanding these can help us align our lives more closely with God's will. Let's dive into each one.

1. Haughty Eyes: Haughty eyes refer to pride and arrogance. It's when someone looks down on others, thinking they're superior. For example, imagine a student who always brags about their grades and mocks others for not doing as well.

This kind of pride creates division and hurts relationships, which is why God hates it.

2. A Lying Tongue: Lies can destroy trust and cause immense harm. Think about a child who lies to their parents about where they were after school. This can lead to broken trust and strained relationships. God values truth, and lying goes against His nature.

3. Hands That Kill the Innocent: This one is heavy, as it includes any act that harms innocent people. For instance, consider someone who bullies others, causing emotional and sometimes physical harm. God cherishes life, and taking innocent life or causing harm is a grave sin.

4. A Heart That Plots Evil: Plotting evil involves having malicious intentions. Imagine someone who plans to sabotage a colleague's project out of jealousy. God sees our hearts, and He despises when we harbor evil plans.

5. Feet That Run to Do Wrong: This refers to being eager to engage in sinful behavior. Picture a person who can't wait to join in on spreading rumors. God wants us to pursue righteousness, not rush into wrongdoing.

6. A False Witness Who Pours Out Lies: This specifically refers to lying in a way that harms others, like giving false testimony in court.

Imagine someone falsely accusing another of theft. This can lead to unjust punishment and suffering. God hates injustice and falsehood.

7. A Person Who Sows Discord in a Family:

Sowing discord means creating conflict and division. Think of someone who constantly stirs up arguments among family members, causing strife and separation. God values unity and peace, and He hates actions that break families apart.

Proverbs 6:12-19 (NIV): "A troublemaker and a villain, who goes about with a corrupt mouth, who winks maliciously with his eye, signals with his feet and motions with his fingers, who plots evil with deceit in his heart-he always stirs up conflict. Therefore disaster will overtake him in an instant; he will suddenly be destroyed - without remedy. There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community."