Proverbs 6:16-19 gives us a shocking statement. The statement we want to start with is the one found in Proverbs 6:16. It is the statement the Lord hates. It is not often we find it said that God hates. Look at where we find this phrase and phrase like it:

1. Deuteronomy 16:22

2. Psalm 11:5

3. Proverbs 6:16

4. Malachi 2:16

How many times we here, “God is love, God just loves us, etc.” How many times have we heard, God hates? It is here in the Scripture, and it is something that should cause us to sit up! Therefore, as a Christian, we should, if we run across these rare statements, should take very special note for us to evaluate ourselves. Not only should we as Christian take note and observe our own life, but there is a call to the unbelievers to hopefully draw them to the truth. What is it that Proverbs 6:16 says? Today we will only cover Proverbs 6:16-17.

First, it tells us there are six things the Lord hates, and then a seventh is an abomination. This phrase warns of the six but draws a very special focus on the seventh one. Second, we have the word hate and abomination which are two different words so it will be important to look at those things. Let us deal with each point as it comes.

First, the six things are mentioned from Proverbs 6:17-19. The seventh is in Proverbs 6:19 so we will cover each one at a time.

Second, We have the word hate. This word is used a lot through Scripture and it should be observed its use. It will not be done here due to the length required. However, I will point out a few statements on this word.

First, here is the definition from the Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament,

It expresses an emotional attitude toward persons and things which are opposed, detested, despised and with which one wishes to have no contact or relationship.

I will also quote the Pulpit commentary because I think they bridge a powerful gap between what was covered last week vs this week. It says,

The whole structure and arrangement of the thoughts which occur in Proverbs 6:16-19 clearly show that this is not an independent section, but one closely allied to that which has just preceded. The object is to show that those evil qualities of deceit and malice which are disastrous to man are equally odious in the sight of Jehovah, and consequently within the scope of the Divine displeasure.

Then we have to realize the concept of hate, in the eyes of God has a broad range from the emotion of an intense hatred, to the lesser idea of just being against. These things are the things God does not want any contact or connection with. Therefore, anything or anyone who has these in their life are not in connection with God and God does not want any connection with it. This begs the question:

What does this mean for the belief that God just accepts us?

If we listen to the “He Gets Us” commercial, we are going to have to look at what is coming and say it does not really matter. Of course Jesus and God are one in the same. I would encourage you to watch the response commercial titled: "He Saves Us".  I will post the videos at the end of this post. Take the time to watch both videos.

Now, compare that to the “He Gets Us” commercial. Do we see the difference? One is empty, hollow, vain, and corrupts the truth of Jesus' mission. The He Saves us Commercial shows us the power of God to Salvation (Romans 1:16-17)! The point being,  one calls for there to be repentance through Christ. The other says you are A-Okay. What does Proverbs 6:16 say? There must be a change in our life to show the change in our heart. We cannot be filled with the very thing God hates and yet be in relationship with God.

But now we approach the word, abomination. Another word used very heavily (117 times) in Scripture and it is held in a deeper detesting than the word hate. Let us look at a few definitions that will help us to understand this word.

First, from Fausset Dictionary

An object of disguest; a detestable act; a ceremonial pollution…

Second, let us look at Vines’ Dictionary,

Abomination; loathsome, detestable thing.

How deep are we seeing this word go? Therefore, we are now going to delve into what God hates and considered abomination. It is important for us to do a self evaluation. Because these things are so large, we are going to go through them fairly quickly but I will make note of some further references to engage with. Here we go.

Proverbs 6:17 we come to the first one – a proud look. The Hebrew can be translated as having an Haughty eye according to the Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge. This brings out the pride and arrogance in mankind. We find some interesting connection in several passages of how God views this: Psalms 101:5; Proverbs 21:4; 30:13. Elsewhere God has said He stands against pride: Proverbs 3:34; James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5.

We then see a lying tongue. This is the ones who speak false statements. We must evaluate do we lie.

Of course I don’t!

The idea is not just telling a “white lie” or “stretching the truth”. It includes those but it also includes: Do we work faithfully the entire time we are on the clock? If not, we are stealing and lying that we are. We collect a paycheck that did not include the true hours worked. Do we work hard while being watched but then slack off when no one is there? That is lying. How about driving really fast and when we see the police officer ahead we quickly tap the brakes. Yes, lying. And we go back to the white lie and the stretching. Some may excuse it because we do not want to hurt anyone. That is still a lie.

In our text, it is a lying speech because it is connected to the tongue so we will narrow this down a little more, but the above statements still stand. In our text, what does God say about this kind of lie?

Proverbs 12:22 – God hates a lying lips.

Psalm 5:6 – God will destroy them.

Our prayer should be like that from Psalm 120:2. Is it? Or do we pull out the lying tongue when it is convenient? It is because failure to do so is one of the signs we are not in fellowship with God, nor are we destined for Heaven (Revelation 22:15). Does lying send us to hell? Yes. Unless we are forgiven by God and have trusted in Him. Even Christians can lie. This does not cause us to lose our salvation but there are consequences for those lies.

But to say we can be a liar, have no change, live in that state and think we are in a right relationship with God is a joke that we pull on our own self. Why? John 8:44 explains the degree to which this is hated by God and why. Read that verse again. See the truth? I think it can stand on its own.

Then we come to the third. Hands that shed innocent blood. I immediately think of those who perform abortions, who make abortions legal, and who support and attempt to pass legislation to engrane it into society. But I also go to those who support those who do what was just said. Understand this action is one that God hates. But the shedding of blood goes beyond just the abortion. It can be for anyone. We have covered this once before in Proverbs 1:11.

To those who think it is okay to support murder in any form (capital punishment is something completely different and we will not delve into that today), or support murder in any form, and then think they can come to a church and worship God, or even say,

I worship God on my own

Want to see what God thinks of your worship? Isaiah 1:15. He does not see it, is not pleased with it, and will not accept it. So all that is being done is exercise of the arms. God condemns Israel and it can be applicable to us as well – Isaiah 59:3-6.

Someone may be thinking,

I have never murdered anyone. How can this apply to me? I do not support abortion, I do not support those who support abortion.

Well, my friend, Jesus raises the bar a little higher. For this I would recommend reading Matthew 5:21-22; 1 John 3:15. It is not just now the physical act, but Jesus raised the standard and requirement higher than before. The standard becomes much harder and higher and it forces us to recognize it is not just that Jesus gets us, but there is a newness expected from us when we fully realize the truth of who He is and what He did for us. Then we step into the light and the things God hates become what we hate and we crucify it from our lives. So the question so far, how are you doing? Any issues? Turn to Jesus and allow Him to change you. Truly change you.

 

The He Saves Us Ad:

 

The He Gets Us Commercial (Side Note: This is not an endorsement but just to show a comparison)