Proverbs 6:16-19

These six things the LORD hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood, A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil, A false witness who speaks lies, And one who sows discord among brethren.

This passage follows the “repetition rule” and reinforces the description of a truly evil person, as is introduced in verse 12. The construction, “These six . . . seven . . . ,” represents a way of handling numbers in synonymous parallelism in Hebrew poetry.

The notable addition to this list of attributes that applies to an evil person, which closely parallels the list of elements in the previous passage, is a description of God’s attitude toward them. Such evil adornments are:

• hated by God—Hebrew: sane, meaning “an intense hatred which alienates,” used often to express God’s attitude toward “idolatry” (Deuteronomy 16:22) and “hypocrisy” (Amos 5:15; Zechariah 8:17); and are

• an abomination to God—Hebrew: toevah, meaning “detestable/morally disgusting,” often applied to “idolatry” (Deuteronomy 7:15; 1 Kings 14:24; 2 Kings 16:3; 21:2; 23:13; Ezra 9:1; Ezekiel 16:2; Isaiah 44:19), to “homosexuality” and other forms of perversions (Leviticus 18:22, 30; 20:13) in addition to other practices mentioned in the Old Testament (such as “human sacrifice”—Deuteronomy 12:31, “eating unclean animals”—Deuteronomy 14:3-8, “sacrificing blemished animals”—Deuteronomy 17:1, “occult activities”—Deuteronomy 18:9-14, “dishonest business practices”—Deuteronomy 25:13-16, and “cultic prostitution”—1 Kings 14:23, 24).

The seven evil attributes listed in this passage are:

1. Pride

This is an attitude of self-exaltation (conceit or self-superiority) that arrogantly tramples on others and within its faux-sphere of “independence” rebels against God. Pride was the sin of Satan (1 Timothy 3:6). Pride deceives the heart (Jeremiah 49:16) and hardens the mind (Daniel 5:20). It is the basis of all other sin, and God intensely hates it (Proverbs 6:16, 17; 16:5) and will bring it into judgment (Proverbs 16:18).

1. Lying (in general)

This is the conveying of a false statement—information deliberately given as being true. It is also “anything meant to deceive”—deception. Satan was the author and father of “the lie” (John 8:44)—in his original apostasy (Isaiah 14:12-20; Ezekiel 28:1-19) and immediately after God’s creation of man (Genesis 3:1-7). Not only did man prefer “the lie” just after his creation, but he continuously chooses it over a willingness to accept God (Romans 1:25). In the final apostasy, just prior to the second coming of Christ to the earth, the world will receive “the lie” of the Antichrist (2 Thessalonians 2:11, 12; 1 John 2:22; 4:3; Revelation 13:1-18). False prophets become Satan’s dupes (2 Corinthians 11:13-15) by deceiving people with lies against God’s truth (Isaiah 9:15, 16; 30:9, 10; Jeremiah 23:14, 25, 26, 32). Unregenerate men, like their spiritual father (John 8:44), speak lies from their birth (Psalm 58:3), making them their refuge (Isaiah 28:15, 17; 59:3, 4) until they reside among liars forever (Revelation 21:27; 22:15). The lot of all liars, of every kind, along with other incorrigible sinners (those who refuse Christ), will be in the lake of fire (Revelation 21:8).

1. Murder

This is the premeditated and purposeful killing of an innocent person. It is distinguished from the unintentional slaying of a person. The penalty for the one who murders was set initially by God, and it is execution (Genesis 9:6). God has extended to human government the right to exact the death penalty (Numbers 35:33; John 19:10; Romans 13:1-4).

The killing of an enemy in war does not constitute murder. The sixth commandment (Exodus 20:13) doesn’t prohibit warfare. Nations have the right to defend themselves against aggressors (Exodus 17:8-16; Judges 6:33-40; 1 Samuel 7:3-13; Psalms 18:34; 144:1; Romans 13:1-4).

The killing of a man in self-defense does not constitute murder (Genesis 4:23; 2 Samuel 2:19-23). There is no guilt in killing an intruder at night, but there is guilt when he is killed after sunrise (Exodus 22:2).

A person is a murderer when his animal, known to be vicious, kills a person (Exodus 21:29); however, the death penalty may be commuted by the payment of a fine (Exodus 21:30-32).

A murderer’s guilt does not involve his children (Deuteronomy 24:16; 2 Kings 14:6; Jeremiah 31:29, 30) unless they knowingly and willingly participate in the murder (Joshua 7:24; Ester 9:7-10; Matthew 23:34-36; 27:25).

A nation can become guilty of corporate murder (Acts 7:52). Although it was the combined sinfulness of man that was the basis for Christ to go to the cross and suffer both spiritual and physical death for all mankind, it cannot be said that mankind “murdered” Christ, since he alone had the power to lay down His life (John 10:17, 18).

Satan is the original murderer (John 8:44). Man’s kinship with Satan makes every person who possesses a spirit of hatred an actual (1 John 3:15) or a potential murderer (Matthew 5:21). Such murderers have no place in God’s kingdom either now (Galatians 5:20) or hereafter (Revelation 21:8).

1. Wickedness

This is an active and virulent form of evil—that which is particularly depraved and dynamic in the moral and spiritual realm. It first encompasses perversity of the mind (Proverbs 15:26), a description by Christ of the hearts of the Pharisees (Matthew 12:34, 35; 22:18). It is manifested in and by evil actions, which is in contrast to righteous actions and persons (Matthew 13:49). Wicked works—all “human good”—alienate the unbeliever from God (Colossians 1:21). Apostates and false teachers are wicked (2 Timothy 3:13; 2 Thessalonians 3:2). In Romans 1:29 wickedness is one of several terms used to describe the utter depravity of man. Certainty of punishment awaits the wicked (Psalm 9:17; Proverbs 6:12-15; Matthew 13:49). Satan is the ultimate “wicked one” (Matthew 13:19; 1 John 2:13, 14; 5:18).

1. Evil

This is anything in thought or deed, active or inactive, which is in opposition to God and righteousness. It can be manifested in the spiritual realm, the moral realm, the social realm and the natural realm. Satan is evil personified.

1. False witness

Whereas “lying,” as is described above, is general in nature, this refers to the specific altering of truth as it relates to another person; and, most significantly, as it relates to God. The misrepresentation of God’s truth, both as revealed in nature and His Word would qualify one as a “false witness.” Such representation leads others away from God and is therefore subject to grave judgment. False witnesses may be found in religions (Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, etc.) and sects (Christian Science, Jehovah Witnesses, Mormonism, Scientology, etc.) that deny the Deity of Jesus Christ, His vicarious and efficacious work on the cross and His resurrection. False witnesses may be found in the occult and paranormal; and they may be found in many branches of modern science, particularly those who teach the theory of evolution.

1. Sowing discord

This is the purposeful instigation and spreading of division, strife and confusion among “brethren” (Hebrew: ach, meaning “a general relationship whether by blood or affinity—any person who is similar to another. A term of affection used for a companion or colleague).

This is the specific and planned activity of an evil person designed to keep mankind apart from God. It can also be applied to Christians whose activities within the corporate Church or local church accomplish the same goal. It is usually demonstrated through rigid legalism—the advocacy of a host of “dos and don’ts” which more often than not have no basis in Scripture; although, are usually assumed through the faux-contrivance of various scriptures.

This type of legalism must never be confused with the sincere efforts of believer who wish to defend the faith. The careful and exacting interpretation of God’s Word and the defense of proper Bible doctrine are both expected and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, as evidenced in God’s Word (Acts 17:11; 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16, 17; Hebrews 4:12; Galatians 2:11; Philippians 1:17, 27; Titus 1:13; Jude 3).