
7 Things The Lord Hates According To The Bible
In the Bible, we find numerous passages that detail what the Lord hates. These verses provide essential insights into God’s character and His expectations for His people. As we explore these passages, we gain a deeper understanding of righteousness, justice, and the qualities that honor God. Let’s delve into the Word of God to examine what the Lord hates, citing relevant verses and drawing out the lessons they offer for believers.
1. Pride and Arrogance
Proverbs 6:16–17 (NIV) declares, “There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood.” Pride and arrogance are among the first things listed. Proverbs 16:5 (NIV) reinforces this sentiment: “The Lord detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.” God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6).
Lesson: Humility is central to pleasing God. We must recognize our dependence on Him and refrain from exalting ourselves above others.
2. Lying and Deceit
Proverbs 12:22 (NIV) states, “The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.” God values truthfulness and integrity. Ephesians 4:25 (NIV) reinforces this principle: “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.”
Lesson: Honesty and transparency are essential in our relationships with God and others. We must strive to be people of integrity, speaking truthfully and living authentically.
3. Shedding Innocent Blood
Proverbs 6:17 (NIV) continues, “hands that shed innocent blood.” God values human life and condemns violence and murder. Genesis 9:6 (NIV) declares, “Whoever sheds human blood, by humans shall their blood be shed; for in the image of God has God made mankind.”
Lesson: Respect for life is fundamental to God’s commandments. We must actively work to protect and preserve human life, valuing each person as made in the image of God.
4. Wicked Schemes
Proverbs 6:18 (NIV) lists “a heart that devises wicked schemes” as something detestable to the Lord. God sees the intentions of the heart and condemns evil plotting and scheming. Proverbs 15:26 (NIV) reinforces this: “The Lord detests the thoughts of the wicked, but gracious words are pure in his sight.”
Lesson: God desires purity of heart and condemns schemes that harm others. We must guard our hearts and pursue righteousness in all our actions.
5. Discord Among Brothers
Proverbs 6:19 (NIV) mentions “feet that are quick to rush into evil” and “a person who stirs up conflict in the community” as detestable to the Lord. God values unity among His people and condemns those who sow discord. Psalm 133:1 (NIV) affirms the importance of unity: “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!”
Lesson: We are called to pursue peace and unity, striving to build up rather than tear down. Love and reconciliation should characterize our relationships with others.
6. Idolatry and False Worship
Deuteronomy 16:22 (NIV) states, “Do not set up any wooden Asherah pole beside the altar you build to the Lord your God.” God commands His people to worship Him alone and detests idolatry and false worship. Exodus 20:3-5 (NIV) reiterates this commandment: “You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them.”
Lesson: God desires our wholehearted devotion and worship. We must guard against the temptation to worship idols and instead worship Him in spirit and truth (John 4:23–24).
7. Injustice and Oppression
Isaiah 1:17 (NIV) proclaims, “Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.” God cares deeply about justice and condemns oppression and injustice. Proverbs 21:15 (NIV) emphasizes this: “When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers.”
Lesson: As God’s people, we are called to stand against injustice and oppression, advocating for the rights of the marginalized and oppressed. We must seek justice and mercy in all our dealings with others.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Bible clearly outlines what the Lord hates, offering valuable lessons for believers. We are called to embody humility, truthfulness, respect for life, purity of heart, unity, worship of the true God, and justice. As we strive to live according to these principles, may we bring honor and glory to God, reflecting His character to the world around us. Let us heed the words of Proverbs 8:13 (NIV): “To fear the Lord is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech.” May our lives be characterized by love for God and hatred of evil, as we seek to walk in His ways.
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