What Are The 7 Things God Hates And What Do They Mean?

The Scriptures clearly state that God is the epitome of love (1 John 4:16). Concurrently, the Bible also discloses that God possesses the ability to experience hatred, a concept that perplexes numerous individuals. Many are inclined to think of God as a kindly entity who answers prayers and creates wonders such as flowers, rainbows, and butterflies.

We commonly think that we sin when we feel hatred for things that offend us or cause injustice. This is not the case. Deuteronomy 16:22 says that God hates evil, even if it’s just evil thoughts.

A coin has two sides, as there is light and darkness, or good and evil. There is love as well as hatred. What you have to decide, then, is whether or not you will love what is right and hate what is evil. As Christians, we ought to know the 7 things God hates.

What Are The 7 Things God Hates?

1. God Hates Haughty Eyes

An odd term, haughty, seems out of place in this context. In the ESV, NIV, and NASB, “haughty” is the word of choice. Three times in the Bible, the English term “haughty” is used (2 Samuel 22:8, Psalm 18:27, and Proverbs 6:17). Haughtiness may be defined as “pride” in its simplest form, and God hates pride.

Additionally, yahir (the Hebrew word for arrogant) may be translated as “to construct a wall high” or “to raise the soul of someone,” depending on the context. Yahir’s synonyms include terms like “high,” “exalted,” and “exalted above.” An arrogant individual glorifies himself above another person or looks down on others.

2. God Hates A Lying Tongue

We have all told the falsehoods of the tongue, and God does not like it. King David committed adultery with the wife of one of his most faithful military officers. Do you recall David’s cover-up attempt that resulted in the murder of that man? When David finally came to terms with his transgression, it is possible that it was one of his greatest regrets that compelled him to pray and confess the Psalm of David.

However, if you accept Jesus Christ, the Son of the Holy God, into your life, he may cause your mouth to utter only pleasant things.

3. God Hates Hands That Shed Innocent Blood

This entails the intentional killing of an innocent person. God clearly stated this in the 10 Commandments. Murder is a crime that deserves prosecution. The lowest in society are most affected by this since they typically feel helpless. Power, position, and money should be utilized for the benefit of others, not for their own. Our motivation should be to love God and our neighbor as ourselves instead of seeking to tear others down.

4. God Hates Hearts That Devise Wicked Plans

God does hate a heart that devises wicked schemes. A person’s heart, rather than the actual organ that pumps blood, refers to the core of his or her personality, including the will, emotions, desires, and so on. Unless the Holy Spirit changes your heart, you won’t be able to escape the sins on this list. Everything you do is a product of what’s happening in your head.

“A deceptive heart” is another way to interpret this text. Telling someone to follow their heart is a negative piece of advice since the heart is a deceptive thing (Jeremiah 17:9). Pursuing what God values and confessing your views, which you may not want anybody else to know about, is a much superior strategy.

5. God Hates Feet That Lead To Evil

A person’s whole being is put in motion toward the evil he desires by a single pair of feet. Using speed (or haste) to commit sin indicates a person’s deliberate purpose to inflict harm. People are speeding toward evil rather than strolling. This proves that this atrocity is not an accident but rather a deliberate effort.

Do you ever let your feelings against someone who has offended you stay for too long? Do you always retreat from sin as swiftly as you should, even if you don’t “rush to evil?”

6. God Hates A False Witness That Breathes Out Lies

What is the difference between a liar’s tongue and someone bearing false witness? They are similar, but the particular lie is perpetrated with the intent to harm one’s neighbor, while a lying tongue may be used to further one’s own interests.

Always avoid pastors who aren’t accountable for their actions and don’t portray the gospel in a truthful manner, whether in or out of the pulpit. And when you make a promise, uphold your end of the bargain.

7. God Hates One Who Sows Discord Among Brothers

If you sow discord, you are creating a rift between individuals. It implies actively creating a climate of distrust, fear, or suspicion in the hearts and minds of those around you, often driven by a need for self-adoration. A remark on Proverbs 6:12–14 may be found in the ESV Study Bible.

Changing our religion, leaving our job, or ending a relationship are all choices we make on occasion. No, we shouldn’t lie as we leave, but we don’t need to be completely open with everyone (not everyone can take it, nor is it nearly ever essential to get the message through), and we definitely shouldn’t stir the pot with the goal of causing distrust among people.

When a person causes discord among family members or inside the church, he or she is not doing what is best for the family’s well-being. This is evil and cowardly.

Why Should You Hate Them Too?

When we put our faith in Christ and embrace Him as our Savior, we have been granted the right—the authority—to be adopted as God’s children (John 1:12). To be sons and daughters of God is to keep away from the wickedness of this world. If we want to be like God, we must imitate Him by adoring and despising the things that He dislikes.

As we mature in Christ’s likeness, we should develop an aversion to evil. That’s one way we show our awe and inspiration for Him. The more we adore and dread God’s sanctity, the more we see our own imperfections, because God hates sin. So when we detect evil in ourselves (Matthew 5:3–4, 6), we reject and despise the parts of our nature that would create sorrow for ourselves and for other people (Matthew 5:3).

Proverbs 6:16–19 Talks About What God Hates

Based on the passage from Proverbs, the Lord hates seven things:

“There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, 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.”

— Proverbs 6:16–19

While there are many more that should be avoided, this list encompasses the vast majority of the heinous acts for which God has pronounced judgment. The seven things that God hates are the sins that involve an individual’s deepest desires.

How To Avoid These Things And Apply It To Your Life

As children of God, we may find ourselves asking, “What can we do to avoid the things God hates?” Consider the following suggestions:

It is possible to cultivate humility by, among other things, acting without selfish ambition or arrogance and instead considering the needs of others more important than your own (Philippians 2:3–4).

It’s also important to combat injustice. Be mindful of those who are less fortunate than you. There are times when you can’t help but hope for justice. Pray for God to either punish or convert the wicked.

Finally, avoid causing division in your church. Don’t propagate falsehoods or gossip about other people. Words have the power to destroy, and some congregations have been wiped out because of fabricated stories. If you’re worried about anything, talk to a trusted adult in your life. After a period of prayer and contemplation, if the situation is still unresolved, leave the church in peace.

Other Things God Hates

Aside from the seven things God hates, the Scripture also outlines what God abhors (Exodus 20:1–17). Here are other things God hates:

• Bowing to any deity other than Him
• Worshipping any graven image or concept instead of God
• Taking his name in vain.
• Forgetting the Sabbath Day
• Disrespecting your parents
• Murder
• Adultery
• Thievery
• Lying to defame another’s good name
• Desiring what others have

Again, this is all about love beyond ourselves: loving God first and loving others as we ought. We contribute to global warfare when we disregard God and disregard our neighbors. Another thing that God abhors is discord. Even Christians tend to quarrel and fight with one another. Where there is conflict, there are more murders, adulteries, thefts, lies, and jealousy.

Summary

God’s words may be convicting and even harsh at times. Yet, God’s word is valuable since it builds us up and prepares us to exalt Him. Discovering the things God abhors and being truthful about them is a valuable trait to take home.

When we ultimately see our mistakes and return to Him, He welcomes us back with open arms. Yes, God despises sin, but He loves all sinners who repent. As John 3:16 states, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life [1].”

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are The Seven Things That God Hates?

Why Does God Hate These Seven Things?

God hates these seven things because they represent deep moral flaws and destructive behaviors that go against His nature of holiness, justice, and love.

How Can Christians Avoid Doing Things That God Hates?

Christians can avoid doing things that God hates by cultivating humility, seeking justice, promoting unity, and aligning their lives with biblical teachings and principles.

Does God Only Hate These Seven Things?

While these seven things are specifically mentioned, God also abhors other sinful behaviors and attitudes that go against His commandments and righteous character.

What Is The Significance Of Understanding What God Hates In Christianity?

Understanding what God hates is significant in Christianity as it guides believers in moral and spiritual growth, helping them to live in a way that honors God and reflects His character.

Can A Person Be Forgiven For Doing Things That God Hates?

Yes, a person can be forgiven for doing things that God hates. Through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, individuals can receive God’s forgiveness and grace, as God loves sinners and offers redemption.