What are the "detestable things" mentioned, and how do they offend God?

Passage at a Glance

Proverbs 6:16-19:

“There are six things that the LORD hates, seven 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, and one who spreads discord among brothers.”

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Detailed List of the Detestable Things

• Haughty eyes – proud, self-exalting attitudes (see Proverbs 16:5).

• A lying tongue – deliberate falsehood (Proverbs 12:22; John 8:44).

• Hands that shed innocent blood – violence or murder against the blameless (Genesis 9:6).

• A heart that devises wicked schemes – premeditated plots to sin (Genesis 6:5).

• Feet that run swiftly to evil – eagerness to participate in wrongdoing (Isaiah 59:7).

• A false witness who gives false testimony – perjury or slander in court or daily life (Deuteronomy 19:16-20).

• One who spreads discord among brothers – sowing division, strife, or gossip in the community (Proverbs 16:28; Galatians 5:20).

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Why These Sins Offend God

• They contradict His character.

– God is humble (Philippians 2:5-8), true (Titus 1:2), life-giving (John 14:6), righteous (Psalm 11:7), and the Author of peace (1 Corinthians 14:33).

• They destroy the people He loves.

– Pride alienates, lies deceive, violence ends life, schemes entrap, eagerness for evil multiplies sin, false testimony twists justice, and discord fractures unity (James 4:1-2).

• They violate His commandments.

– Each item breaks one or more of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:13-16) and the greatest commands to love God and neighbor (Matthew 22:37-40).

• They invite judgment.

– “The LORD opposes the proud” (James 4:6); “No liar will inherit the kingdom of God” (Revelation 21:8); “Whoever sheds man’s blood, by man his blood shall be shed” (Genesis 9:6).

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Living in the Light of This Truth

• Pursue humility by acknowledging God’s sovereignty and serving others (Micah 6:8).

• Speak truth, letting every word align with Scripture (Ephesians 4:25).

• Value and protect life, from the unborn to the elderly (Psalm 139:13-16).

• Keep hearts pure by rejecting sinful fantasies and plotting righteousness instead (Psalm 19:14).

• Guard steps, choosing paths that honor the Lord (Psalm 1:1-3).

• Maintain integrity in testimony, refusing gossip or half-truths (Proverbs 19:5).

• Promote peace, gently restoring relationships and fostering unity (Romans 12:18; Ephesians 4:3).