What is the meaning of Proverbs 6:17?

Haughty eyes

God begins the list with pride because every other sin grows out of it. “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18). Haughty eyes speak of an attitude that:

- Elevates self above God and others (Psalm 101:5)

- Despises correction and refuses to submit (Proverbs 21:4)

- Seeks glory that rightly belongs to the Lord alone (Isaiah 2:11)

The Lord “opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6), so the antidote is cultivating humility like Christ, “who humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death” (Philippians 2:8). When we see ourselves accurately—as created, dependent, redeemed—we look up in gratitude instead of down in arrogance.

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A lying tongue

“Lying lips are detestable to the LORD, but those who deal faithfully are His delight” (Proverbs 12:22). Falsehood strikes at God’s own character, for “it is impossible for God to lie” (Hebrews 6:18) and the devil “is a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44). A lying tongue:

- Destroys trust in families, churches, workplaces (Ephesians 4:25)

- Masks sin instead of confessing and forsaking it (Proverbs 28:13)

- Mirrors Satan rather than the Savior (Colossians 3:9–10)

Truth-telling flows from a heart renewed by the One who is “the way, and the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). Speaking truth, even when costly, honors God and builds up those who hear.

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Hands that shed innocent blood

The Creator values every human life: “You shall not murder” (Exodus 20:13). From Cain’s slaying of Abel (Genesis 4:10) to violence in our day, spilling innocent blood cries out to heaven. God condemns:

- Premeditated violence (Proverbs 1:11–16)

- Oppression of the defenseless (Isaiah 1:15–17)

- Heart-level hatred that Jesus equates with murder (Matthew 5:21–22; 1 John 3:15)

Instead, believers are called to protect life and pursue peace—“Rescue those being led away to death” (Proverbs 24:11) and overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21).

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Summary

Proverbs 6:17 exposes three sins God utterly hates because they assault His glory and harm His image-bearers: pride that looks down, lies that tear down, and violence that strikes down. Walking in humility, truth, and love keeps us in step with the One who “humbled Himself,” who is “the Truth,” and who laid down His own life to give life to the innocent and guilty alike.