Proverbs 6:17 – “Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood,”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
In this verse, Solomon begins listing specific behaviors that God finds detestable. The first three on the list are “haughty eyes,” “a lying tongue,” and “hands that shed innocent blood.” Let’s break down what each of these phrases means:
- Haughty Eyes: This refers to pride and arrogance. It’s the attitude of looking down on others, believing oneself to be superior. God detests pride because it leads people away from humility, dependence on Him, and healthy relationships with others.
- A Lying Tongue: This phrase points to dishonesty and deceit. God values truth, and those who lie are not only harming others but are also rejecting the very nature of God, who is Truth.
- Hands that Shed Innocent Blood: This is the most extreme form of violence—murder. God treasures life, and taking an innocent life is one of the gravest offenses against His creation. This includes any act of violence or harm toward those who have done no wrong.
Historical Context
In the time of Solomon, these were serious offenses that could disrupt society. Pride led to the downfall of leaders, lies caused divisions, and violence threatened the peace of the community. In a society that depended on trust and cooperation for survival, these behaviors were not only morally wrong but also dangerous to the well-being of everyone.
The Israelites were called to live as a holy people set apart for God. Behaviors like pride, lying, and violence went against everything that God had commanded them to be. By listing these specific sins, Solomon was not only warning individuals but also urging the entire community to uphold God’s standards.
Theological Implications
This verse reveals that God’s concerns go beyond just our outward actions—He cares deeply about the state of our hearts. Pride, deceit, and violence are not just external acts; they are symptoms of a deeper spiritual issue. A person who harbors these attitudes is far from God’s will and is living in rebellion against Him.
God’s hatred for these behaviors reflects His commitment to justice, truth, and the sanctity of life. He desires that His people live in a way that reflects His character. By warning us against these sins, God is calling us to a higher standard—one that reflects His holiness and love.
Literary Analysis
The structure of the verse is clear and direct, listing these offenses in a straightforward manner. This list is part of a larger section where Solomon is highlighting seven behaviors that are detestable to God. The use of the number seven in Hebrew literature often signifies completeness, so this list is meant to be a comprehensive look at attitudes and actions that God finds offensive.
The verse uses vivid imagery: “haughty eyes,” “a lying tongue,” and “hands that shed innocent blood.” These phrases are not just literal but also symbolic of deeper attitudes of the heart. The tone is serious, serving as a warning to those who might take these behaviors lightly.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Proverbs 16:18 – “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.”
- Proverbs 12:22 – “The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.”
- Isaiah 59:7 – “Their feet rush into sin; they are swift to shed innocent blood.”
- James 4:6 – “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”
These verses reinforce the idea that God opposes pride, deceit, and violence because they are contrary to His character.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Proverbs 6:17 serves as a reminder to check our hearts and our actions. Are we allowing pride to creep into our lives? Are we tempted to lie to protect ourselves or get ahead? Do we harbor anger or violence in our hearts? This verse challenges us to turn away from these behaviors and instead pursue humility, honesty, and peace.
It also reminds us that God sees beyond the surface. It’s not enough to simply appear good on the outside; God cares about what’s happening inside our hearts. As followers of Christ, we are called to live lives of integrity that align with God’s standards.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
At first glance, it might seem harsh to say that God hates certain things. But this hatred is actually an expression of His love. God hates what harms us and what destroys the peace and well-being of His creation. By warning us against these attitudes and actions, God is protecting us from the consequences that come from living in opposition to His will.
God’s love for us includes calling us away from behaviors that bring destruction. Just as a loving parent hates anything that would harm their child, God hates pride, lying, and violence because they lead us away from the fullness of life He desires for us.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus came to show us the way to live a life that pleases God. In His teachings, Jesus emphasized humility, truth, and love. In Matthew 5:22, Jesus warned against the sin of harboring anger in our hearts, which is the root of violence. He also consistently taught against pride, urging His followers to be humble and serve others.
Jesus embodies the opposite of the behaviors listed in Proverbs 6:17. He is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). By following Jesus, we learn to reject pride, deceit, and violence and instead embrace humility, truth, and love.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Are there areas in your life where pride may be creeping in? How can you address that?
- How can you practice honesty in situations where it might be tempting to lie?
- In what ways can you pursue peace instead of letting anger or violence take root in your heart?
- How does understanding God’s hatred for these behaviors change the way you approach your daily decisions?
- What can you learn from Jesus’ example of humility, truth, and love?
Proverbs 6:17 challenges us to examine our hearts and turn away from behaviors that displease God. Let’s commit to living lives that reflect God’s character, embracing humility, honesty, and a love for others that reflects His love for us.