“These six things the LORD hates; Indeed, seven are repulsive to Him: 17A proud look [the attitude that makes one overestimate oneself and discount others], a lying tongue, And hands that shed innocent blood, 18A heart that creates wicked plans, Feet that run swiftly to evil,19A false witness who breathes out lies [even half-truths], And one who spreads discord (rumors) among brothers.”

Proverbs 6: 16-19 AMP

In the previous verses Solomon warned us of the “wicked” man. In Hebrew. “the man of belial” is one who makes tradeoff doing evil, especially with his tongue (12). With lying and perverseness he stands in direct opposition of God and man. He devises evil skillfully and with design and carries it out with a great deal of craft and design (13). He is continually designing mischief purely for the sake of mischief itself and the injury to others! We are given a list of the things that are in a special way extremely unpleasant and offensive to God, all of which are in the arsenal of the wicked.

The reality is that God hates sin! Sin opposes the very nature of God and is identified as the work of the Devil. In the presence of God sin cannot stand!

“For You are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness; No evil [person] dwells with You.”

Psalms 5:4 AMP

Matthew Henry in his commentary of the Bile wrote, “God hates sin; He hates every sin; He can never be reconciled to it; He hates nothing but sin.” All of the sins above have one thing in common, they are injurious to our neighbor. The list is given for our self-evaluation rather than to identify them and bring accusation to others! The first is “a proud look.” The word there is “haughty.” Haughtiness is conceitedness of ourselves. It is a arrogant, superior and disdainful option of ourselves over others. We could then say that pride is the foundation of much sin. It is an overvaluing of oneself at the expense of others! Next to a proud look nothing is more an abomination to God than a lying tongue!

God’s people are called to always speak the truth, for God has always spoken the truth to us! It is in accepting the reality of truth that brings us to the cross.  Jesus said,

“And you will know the truth [regarding salvation], and the truth will set you free [from the penalty of sin].” John 8:32 AMP

The reality is that we are sinners! Plain and simple. It was when I truly embraced that reality, I was then free to accept His solution to my state, forgiveness! These two thigs are the reason most people never receive forgiveness. Pride keeps them from accepting the reality of their sin as they think of themselves more highly as the ought! Truth is never easy, but it is freeing! Of course, the source of all this deception is the Devil. Jesus said,

“Why do you misunderstand what I am saying? It is because [your spiritual ears are deaf and] you are unable to hear [the truth of] My word.44You are of your father the devil, and it is your will to practice the desires [which are characteristic] of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks what is natural to him, for he is a liar and the father of lies and half-truths. 45But because I speak the truth, you do not believe Me [and continue in your unbelief].”

John 8:43-45 AMP

We see then the lying tongue and hands that shed innocent blood are hateful to God because the reflect the Devil’s image in them! We then see the source of these things, the heart! The Scripture is clear,

““The heart is deceitful above all things And it is extremely sick; Who can understand it fully and know its secret motives?”

Jerimiah 17:9 AMP

The truth is that man needs a heart transplant and the only surgeon that can perform it successfully is Jesus Christ! The reality of God’s Word is played out every time a sinner repents, and their life becomes born-again!

I pray that the same power that raised Christ from the dead dwelling in you would transform you heart and that you might experience the truth and reality of Christ’s saving work! Pastor Ken