- Morning Devotional
- July 12,
2005
"Things God Hates" (Part 1)
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There are six things the LORD hates--no, seven things he detests: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that kill the innocent, a heart that plots evil, feet that race to do wrong, a false witness who pours out lies, a person who sows discord among brothers. (Proverbs 6:16-19 NLT).
In our reading for the next few days, Solomon informs us that there are six things the Lord hates, and there is a seventh item which is an abomination to Him. This is a recognized Hebrew form of climax, where Israel's third king by inspiration enumerates six vices that the Lord considers detestable, and a seventh which is the worse of all. We know that Solomon could have enumerated many other sins the Lord hates, but these set forth enough to give us a complete picture of how God views evil. For the rest of the week we’ll look at each of them in turn.
By the way, the word "hate" (the Hebrew word sane') and "abomination" (the Hebrew word tow`ebah) are both close in meaning. "Hate" carries the idea of disliking intensely or to be hostile toward, and "abomination" means detestable. We might understand the difference in this way: "We hate hurting someone, but we detest killing someone." It is also interesting to notice that the Lord, through Solomon, chose various members of the human body, which can be used to commit sin. But, it is important to realize that these same members that can commit sin can also do good! Thus, it is not the body members that God hates, but the evil they do. God does not hate the individual. He hates the sin, and so should it be with us!
So, the first thing that God hates is "haughty eyes." Some other translations use the phrase “a proud look.” It has been said, "the eyes are the window of the soul." A proud look indicates a heart that is corrupt with pride. This is one who "sticks his nose in the air," feeling superior to others. Being of a "proud look" will cause one to have racial, financial, or social prejudice. It is much like the Pharisee who said, "I thank thee, that I am not as other men ..." (Luke. 18:11).
God's view toward those of "a proud look" is also seen in other parts of Scripture. However, in each case, God does not condone it. There is a wonderful story from the life of General Robert E. Lee. He was a devout follower of Jesus Christ. It is said that soon after the end of the American Civil War, he visited a church in Washington, D.C. During the communion service he knelt beside a black man. An onlooker said to him later, “How could you do that?” Lee replied, “My friend, all ground is level beneath the cross.” That ought to be our attitude toward everyone. There simply is no room for “haughty eyes” in the believer!
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