How can we avoid the "six things the LORD hates" in Proverbs 6:16? The Six Things the LORD Hates (Proverbs 6:16-19) “There are six things that 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 run swiftly to evil, a false witness who gives false testimony…” Haughty Eyes — Choosing Humility • Remember every gift, talent, and breath comes from God (James 1:17). • “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). Ask Him daily for that grace. • Practice unseen service; serve where no one notices (Matthew 6:3-4). • Keep a gratitude journal; thanksgiving keeps pride at bay (Philippians 2:3). Lying Tongue — Living Truthfully • “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully” (Ephesians 4:25). • Slow your speech (James 1:19); think before words leave your lips. • Saturate your mind with Scripture—“Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth” (John 17:17). • When you do misstate, confess immediately and correct the record (Proverbs 12:22). Hands That Shed Innocent Blood — Valuing Life • Affirm the sanctity of life from conception to natural death (Genesis 9:6). • Reject hatred and murderous anger (1 John 3:15). • Promote peace and protect the vulnerable—“Blessed are the peacemakers” (Matthew 5:9). • Turn from entertainment that glorifies violence; feed the spirit with what builds compassion. Heart That Devises Wicked Schemes — Guarding the Inner Life • “Guard your heart with all diligence” (Proverbs 4:23). Monitor thoughts before they become plans. • Pray David’s prayer: “Create in me a clean heart, O God” (Psalm 51:10). • Fill the mind with Philippians 4:8 qualities—true, honorable, just, pure. • Seek accountability; invite trusted believers to ask hard questions about motives (Hebrews 3:13). Feet That Run Swiftly to Evil — Redirecting Our Steps • Plan paths of righteousness—schedule worship, study, and service (Psalm 119:105). • “Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked” (Psalm 1:1). Choose environments that foster holiness. • Evaluate friendships: “Bad company corrupts good character” (1 Corinthians 15:33). • When tempted, take the promised escape route (1 Corinthians 10:13). False Witness — Practicing Integrity in Testimony • “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor” (Exodus 20:16). • Verify facts before speaking; refuse gossip. • Speak up when others misrepresent: “These are the things you must do: Speak truth to one another” (Zechariah 8:16). • Use words to build, not destroy: “Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is beneficial” (Ephesians 4:29). Living Free from What God Hates • Daily submission to the Holy Spirit aligns attitudes, words, and actions with God’s heart (Galatians 5:16-17). • Regular Scripture intake renews the mind (Romans 12:2). • Consistent fellowship sharpens and sustains obedience (Hebrews 10:24-25). Walk this path, and those six detestable traits lose their grip, replaced by a life that delights the Lord and blesses everyone around you. |
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