#1318. Proverbs 6:16–19 – Seven things the Lord hates (30/7/25)

Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional where we are continuing in our Wisdom for Life series from Proverbs. 

From Proverbs 6:16-19, we reflect on the character traits that God hates so we can pursue the kind of characteristics that He loves. 

To watch this devotional, please select the link below. 

Proverbs 6:16-19 lists seven traits that the Lord hates, culminating in the most severe: one who stirs up conflict in the community. This form of numerical proverb focuses and builds on the last— the seventh in this example. God is very concerned for harmony and love in a community and a church. A person who “stirs up conflict in the community” is undermining the work of God most severely. 

The Seven Detestable Traits:

i. Haughty Eyes – Those who have an arrogant heart. Who believe that they are better than others and that their opinion and will deserve to be shared by all. Such people are easily offended, particularly if they feel that someone is not meeting their expectations. Such people sin willfully because they believe they know best.

ii. A Lying Tongue – Deception, slander, and false teaching that distort truth and harm relationships.

iii. Hands That Shed Innocent Blood – This includes murder in all forms -  ancient child sacrifices (Psalm 106:37), destruction of unborn children in the womb and euthanasia. Devaluing human life is an offence to God.

iv. A Heart That Devises Wicked Schemes – Self-serving manipulation, whether in relationships, finances, or for personal gain.

v. Feet That Rush to Evil – Acting on sinful desires without hesitation.

vi. A False Witness Who Pours Out Lies – A false witness who pours out lies—this is better translated as ‘breathes out lies’. This recapitulation of that second hateful attribute (a lying tongue) shows just how hateful this is to God and how easy for us to fall into. Outright lies or half-truths are a temptation to all of us. It’s so easy to hide the truth or stay quiet when we feel it will serve our interests. 

vii. One Who Stirs Up Conflict in a Community – The ultimate outcome of the previous six. We all carry a bucket of water or fuel—do we quench strife or spread it?

Can we say of our attitude and conduct that we are keeping in step with the Spirit, as we are encouraged: 

Let’s pray together:

“Father, fill me with the fruit of the Spirit. May I avoid all that creates harm and division. May I rush to do all that edifies and creates a healthy community. In the various communities that I’m in, most importantly in your church, may I be a peacemaker. Amen.’

Community Group Notes

1. Notices

It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News. 

2. Icebreaker

How has God been speaking to you from His Word this week, and how has this helped you? 

3. Worship together

Let’s begin our time together by lifting our eyes and hearts to worship our great God. Perhaps you have readings and songs that you would like to use together. Let’s be open to the gifts that the Spirit wants to give in order to encourage one another.

4. Study and pray together

Balanced Time Allocation - Please ensure a balanced focus on discussion, SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite), and prayer so that each section is meaningful and fruitful.

Week #8. Proverbs 6:6-29. Use the lamp of God’s wisdom

1. What themes stand out in this week’s section? Identify key ideas and repeated patterns. What is the focus of this section?

2. What promises does God offer, and what warnings does He give? Look for specific encouragements, blessings, or cautions in the text.

3. How does this speak into our lives today? What are the practical ways we could live this out — individually, in our families, in our community?

4. How is God calling you to respond? Consider what this means for your heart, your choices, and your direction.

5. SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite)

• How might the wisdom in this week's section of Proverbs help us to be a light for Jesus?

• Have you had any recent opportunities to Serve, Invest in, or Invite someone toward Jesus? Let’s encourage one another by sharing testimonies of God at work through us.

  
  

6. Let’s pray together: 

• Let’s pray for one another based on our study, and bring before God any other needs or requests for prayer.

• Pray for one another's SIV opportunities and boldness in following the Spirit's promptings.

• Pray specifically for the 'people of peace' in our lives—asking God to open hearts and provide opportunities to speak life and truth.