I was casually flipping through the Bible the other day, looking for something interesting to read (you know, as if the whole Bible isn’t totally interesting).
I found myself in Proverbs, not my favorite book of the Bible, mind you, but I saw the words “There are six things that the LORD hates, seven that are an abomination to him…”
Wait. Say what? 7 things God hates. It seems that this list had escaped me. Perhaps you already know this list. Perhaps you are more spiritually astute than me.
But let me just say, this is quite the list. I did a little self-inventory against this list and, I’m not gonna lie, it stung a bit. Care to join me?
Here’s what Proverbs actually says:
“here are six things that the LORD hates,
seven that are an abomination to Him:
haughty eyes, a lying tongue,
and hands that shed innocent blood,
a heart that devises wicked plans,
feet that make haste to run to evil,
a false witness who breathes out lies,
and one who sows discord among brothers.”
Okay, so let me break it down.
1. Haughty eyes–also known as pride. Check. That’s me. I often suffer from self-elevation and self-exaltation. I easily place myself above God, only to be reminded that this leads to destruction.
Sadly, but in truth, pride is often the root of most sin. We place ourselves, our own needs, wants, and fleshly desires above the Lord and His people.
2. A lying tongue–your standard liar. Uh, me sometimes. I mean, I am honest with those around me. I don’t like lying or liars. Never have. However, that’s not to say that I don’t lie to myself. I deceive myself into thinking I can go it alone or that God doesn’t really have my best interest at heart.
I’m not sure if this counts as a “lying tongue,” but it is self-deception, nonetheless.
3. Hands that shed innocent blood–also known as murder. I am glad to say that this one does not apply to me.
4. A heart that devises wicked plans–just your standard wicked person. The Bible also calls this type of person “depraved.” Jesus refers to the hearts of the Pharisees as wicked (Matthew 12:34, 35; 22:18). If I’m being honest, I have to admit that, yes, there is a little bit of Pharisee in me.
5. Feet that make haste to run to evil–the person running quickly in the direction of evil. Thankfully, this is not me, either. Although, I don’t always flee from evil as quickly as I should. Sometimes I dilly dally.
6. False witness who breathes out lies–a false witness is not only a liar, but someone who sets out to spread false information about an individual. A false witness also refers to anyone who misrepresents the truth about God. Ouch. This is not a place I would want to be. Ever.
7. One who sows discord among brothers–this is your basic I’m-gonna-create-division-and-disunity-among-the-Church-person. Sometimes, it’s gossip. Sometimes it’s spreading lies about a person or God (see #6). Sometimes it’s a person who brings about a spirit of strife and confusion.
Either way, God hates it. In fact, He hates all 7 of these sins. Sure, He hates all sin. We know that, but the scriptures make a special point to call out these 7 in particular. I’m glad I stumbled upon them…
What about you? Are any of the 7 on this list convicting to you? Have you struggled with any of these or been a victim of any of these? Why do you think God chose to highlight these particular sins?
Just an off-the-cuff remark, but what I see here is more fuel to the ideas that have been gathering up in my head lately. I’ve noticed how the complaints against Christianity/Christians are often that they are just afraid of hell, and looking for a ticket into heaven. However, 9 out of 10 Christians that I actually know don’t live like that. They are Christians because they fell in love with God somewhere along the way, and they’re doing their best to live out a life of that love.
Thus, this list reminds me that being a Christian isn’t just about seeking a good afterlife. It’s creating a good, redemptive life here. We are to not lie, to not cheat people or gossip about them, to rely on God so that the earth here is “as it is in heaven.”
Christianity isn’t a moral system. It’s a love-system that brings about good morals. This list reminds us that we’re to love our neighbors and to be the arms and legs (and sometimes mouth) of God here on earth.
Thanks for that!
Josh,
You cram so much amazing stuff into yuor comment. I almost don’t know where to begin.
I so long to tell believers and unbelievers that Christianity is not just about the after life, but the abundant life NOW!
And this: “Christianity isn’t a moral system. It’s a love-system that brings about good morals”
Um…pure gold. I could write a post on those two sentences. I just might.and give you full bragging rights of course.
I wrote a paper in college about Christianity as a “moral system.” I argued that it wasn’t. In fact, in certain cases, it makes a terrible moral system. That’s partly what Kierkegaard’s book “Fear and Trembling” is about.
Anyway, I’d love to read your take on it! I hear a future post coming on your blog…. :)
HAHA — i just flip through the bible looking for interesting things to read sometimes too. You made it sound a little convicting though.
anyways —
yeah i probably fall into all of these categories if we are being honest, especially if we use Jesus’ standard for murder in the new testament (thinking hate towards someone).
I am so thankful for grace, if it were up to me I would be a goner already.
Darrell,
Yes, this list makes me think of His grace too. It also reminds me simultaneously of how far I’ve come and how far I have to go to look like Christ.
You say that murder doesn’t apply to you but if you take the words of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5 you would reconsider this. Jesus states:
21 “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ 22 But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire.
Murder isn’t just taking a life but it is your attitude toward someone.
Matt,
You are right to bring this verse up. Since I was quoting this passage from Proverbs, I took it to literally mean murder–killing someone–not the spiriutal and/or metaphorical murder which Christ refers to in Matthew.
I understand Jesus’ prohibition of anger in Matthew 5 to be a general principle. He uses strong language (i.e. “liable to fire of hell”) yes, but he does discuss that each act listed will be liable to judgment before the Lord. This to me does not signify each judgment will be the same…the same for literal murder as for slander or angry words.
I’m no theologian but that is my understanding. Again, I appreciate you adding this passage to the discussion. It is a great addition.
Great point! In today’s growing trend toward “universalism” it’s important to remember that there are absolutes in this life regarding God! Thanks for the awesome post.
@Tor, I really agree with your perception that a typical world-view is towards universalism and it is refreshing to think that there IS a line that can be crossed. We all need boundaries – boundaries make us feel safe. We need to know if we are inside or outside of them.
Good post and good reminder on the heart of the Father.
None of these apply to me. I am apparently perfect.
LOL! Jokes, just jokes!
I echo Tor’s comment that there IS a line of absolutes that our Father has established.
Our version of His love is woefully erroneous. He is, after all, Holy. His love for us does not mean instant entrance into Heaven. His Holiness does not allow for a casual relationship with Him, either.
The sad part is that reading the list I had the thought that some of that behavior is actually celebrated in many churches across America today.
I’m super grateful laziness didn’t make this list! But I have to say I’m guilty of most of the other things on there. Le sigh.
“3. Hands that shed innocent blood–also known as murder. I am glad to say that this one does not apply to me.”
So if the person isn’t “innocent” it’s okay to kill, that sets a pretty dangerous precedent me thinks
Alex,
This is not an exhaustive list of sin. Scripture states that all sin is offensive to God. This list happens to be 7 sins highlighted within scripture as being especially repugnant to God.
All that to say murder, whether of an innocent person or guilty person is sin
in the Lords eyes. But understandably, the murder of an innocent person is more grievous.
Nicole,
In my mind, I have taken #3 to refer directly to abortion on demand and for the sake of appeasing the (Babylonian?)false god Molech.
I hadn’t considered it any other way.
So suppressing a women’s right to choose what they do to their body’s isn’t repugnant?
Alex,
But it isn’t just their body involved. The life of another is involved, as well. I speak for them, for the unborn.
Will you?
So these things are only bad because god says so?
I would say that everything in the universe is as it is because God says so.
Okay so hypothetically, if God didn’t exist would you kill people? Saying the world wouldn’t exist is not an acceptable answer.
OOh, Euthyphro’s dilemma! Is something good because God says it’s good (or bad), or is something good (or bad) and therefore God likes it?
God is righteous and as such everything He does comes from His nature which is righteousness. It is impossible for Him to be unrighteous as it would be a logical contradiction of His character.
Who is going to judge Him? He is God and as such He is the final arbiter of right and wrong. Who is going to make an accusation of unrighteousness stick against the righteous judge? Who are you o’ man to say unto your creator.
It is the sin of pride that elevates man opinion of himself above that of his Creator. It is the same lie that was told in the Garden, ” you shall be like God. ” The only way to be like God is to be conformed the image of His Son and adopted into His family.
Luther,
Good thoughts there. However, that’s not what I was talking about. The Euthyphro dilemma is traditionally about the word “pious”, but people often substitute the word “good” in for it. It’s not an argument for man’s righteousness (or lack thereof). It’s more about this: Is charity good, for instance, because God says it’s good, or is it good in and of itself? That is, is a charitable act still a good act even if God didn’t exist? That’s more what Alex was getting at I think, which is the Euthyphro problem that comes from a Socratic dialogue in Plato’s writings.
Cheers!
There are things that God hates and that is often lost in our post-modern, post-christian, truth is relative, God is love and nothing else culture.
God hates sin. God hates the workers of iniquity that willfully and wantonly chase after it.
Christianty is a basis for our morality and at the same time it is not an ethical system. Our ethics are based upon the teaching found therein but it is not a system of morals, ceremonies, and ritualistic trappings that saves us. We do good because of whose we are and not because of who we want to become.
What about the teachings that are down right barbaric? There are things in the bible that are considered to be downright vile now.
Alex, No offense, but what does that have to do with Luther’s comment? Maybe I’m missing something.
You are right, there are things in the Bible that seem pretty terrible to us today. Are you suggesting that some of the modern practices are left-over from those “vile” practices from before? I’d love to hear your take on things! :)
It’s in reference to our morals being based off Christianity.
Yes, I do think that some of practices of modernity are descended from Iron Age morals, why else would people think it’s wrong that people of the same sex get married, that abortions are performed by doctors on a consenting women. There are still trappings of an oppressive patriarchal society of old with in modern society.
Ahh, I see. Are you talking about rights given to people in the US, or about morality? They’re often two different things. Take, for instance, Jim Crow laws. They were legal but quite immoral. Then there are things like, oh, drinking a beer when you’re 20. Illegal, but not immoral.
So my guess is that you’re referring to the Church’s stance against homosexuality and against abortion? These are huge arguments even within the Church as we speak. However, I know that there are many within and outside of Christianity that find abortion to be morally abhorrent, yet believe women have the right to choose to have one or not. I would fall into that category. I don’t think it’s right, but I don’t have a problem with women making up their own minds. Like drinking: it’s legal to get smashed whenever you want, but I don’t think it’s the right thing to do. And there are many who disagree with me. It’s not really an argument about choice with most people, it’s an argument about semantics of the word “life” for most people. When can I willingly terminate a life?
I eat beef. My friend does not. Why? Because he thinks his grandmother has reincarnated into a cow. Therefore he does not eat beef. We disagree on the fact of reincarnated grandma, not about the fact that neither of us would want to eat our grandmother. See what I’m getting at?
We can call each other names, fight about the act of abortion…but in the end, it’s what we see as life, and how we treat it, that’s at issue. Those for abortion can’t understand why some people think life starts at conception. Those people can’t understand why the first group thinks life DOES’T start at conception. The choice issue is only a secondary issue in the argument.
I understand your complaint about the pro-life/choice argument being patriarchal. I’m not seeing how the homosexuality issue is a matter of patriarchy.
Alex,
By whose or what standard are you judging them to be vile?
Alex,
By whose or what standard are you judging things to be vile?
I love God 1st.. I also realize that I am still madly in love with my husband I’m not sure if he still feels that way I’ve made give mistakes I wish he would forgive me I’m still in love with him and I believe with God he and our children God 1st could have a wonderful long life well we are gone have a long fruitful life filled with the love of God and he and I and the kids n their children n so on n so forth…God didn’t have us cross paths for nothing. Joseph please forgive me for all the wrongs I stepped out n done u didn’t n do not deserve a love like that you need love so much love a relationship with God and full of Love I apologize and I still love u so much you’re my heart..😚😘😗
I apologize I do not know why that posted twice.
Josh,
Euthyphro’s dilemma. It is a false dilemma in the fact that ( charity as your example ) places the burden upon the creature to prove what is good/bad and then ascribe that attribute to God. Believers often disagree on the minutae of their faith but God has revealed Himself in Scripture as being good/righteous/holy.
Charity is good among people because it reflects an attribute of God present in the lives of humanity. This act would be an arbitrary function of society without the presence of God. These charitable acts in no way commend us to God but for the believer they are an obedient response to the commands and nature of God.
God is intrinsically good/righteous/holy apart from our speculations and our many machinations to mold Him into our image instead of us being molded into His.
Alex,
you said, ” Okay so hypothetically, if God didn’t exist would you kill people? Saying the world wouldn’t exist is not an acceptable answer.”
Can you give me a good reason not to kill people apart from God?
You and others like to steal from God the mental faculties including logic, reason, and rationality without giving homage to the person behind them.
Loved this, Nicole. Well done! Thanks for speaking the truth.
Excellent insight — I love the ancient yet relevant application of the God’s word. It’s also controversial — but when hasn’t God’s word sparked controversy? I do think that we are all directly or indirectly guilty of all seven: consider social injustice, slavery, the oppression caused by capitalism against millions of poverty stricken people, (e.g. the cocoa industry, sex industry, etc.) that has indirectly caused millions of deaths. We all have a hand in all of it — which is why God has to point it out as offensive to his Holiness. But GRACE, he redeems our souls to heaven in eternity and our lives now so that by living according to his word we can reflect his light into the darkness of the sin that once gripped us.
Hi Nicole. Good post. I’d seen this once or twice before, but it’s been a while – always good to get a reminder on some of these things!
I did want to point something out though: only once does this list refer to a person specifically i.e. “one who…”. The NIV even says “a person”. This really stuck out to me the first time I read it years back, along with the difference of “six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him” (NIV again). This means that one thing on this list is not hated, just detested. And considering that there is also only one person described (rather than the sins described in the other list items), I take it as good news that even in our detestable sin, God doesn’t hate us, just our sin.
Ezekiel 33:7 “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me. 8 When I say to the wicked, ‘O wicked man, you will surely die,’ and you do not speak out to dissuade him from his ways, that wicked man will die for his sin, and I will hold you accountable for his blood.
I’d like to ask what quoting bible verses to other believers does? Theological circle jerking much?
I read this passage the other day. The last one really got me because I have serious temptations to gossip a lot.
I totally used to struggle with gossip and then God gave me a job with 15 other women, none of whom were believers. I had to leanr very quickly to keep my mouth shut so that I could be a trustworthy example of Christ. Wooo…it was hard, but I’m thankful for the lesson.