7 Abominations To God And Reasons Why We Should Avoid Them

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Published by Shannon Jacobs

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Proverbs 26:25 cautions against placing your trust in someone who disregards wisdom, even when they seem kind, because they conceal seven detestable sins in their heart. Lacking fear of God, this individual is devoid of wisdom, righteousness, and truth.

So, what are these seven abominations? Proverbs 6:16–19 lists them as arrogant eyes, a lying mouth, hands that kill innocent people, a heart that plots wicked schemes, feet that rush to do evil, a false witness who lies, and someone who sows discord among brothers. These are the things God detests.

Key Takeaways

  • Understanding the seven abominations listed in Proverbs 6:16–19 provides insight into how God views certain sins. These include pride, deceit, violence, wicked plotting, eagerness to commit evil, false testimony, and causing discord. This knowledge helps in comprehending the severity of these actions and attitudes in the eyes of God.
  • God assesses not just outward actions but also the intentions and thoughts of the heart. A moral exterior is not enough; if the heart is not in line with God’s will, actions can still be displeasing to Him. This underscores the importance of introspection and sincerity in spiritual life.
  • Despite the seriousness of these sins, there is always room for repentance and a shift towards living under God’s teachings. Individuals are encouraged to reflect on their actions and attitudes, recognizing that God seeks a heart transformation leading to righteous living.

7 Abominations To God 

An abomination, or something abhorrent, signifies a strong dislike. This term gives us insight into how the Lord feels about the seven sins mentioned in Proverbs 6:16–19, which He regards as abominations.

It might be challenging to reconcile the idea of a loving Lord finding something so repugnant. However, He is aware of human sins and does not condone sinful behavior. The seven sins He detests[1] are listed in Proverbs 6:16–19.

1. He Hates Haughty Eyes

Firstly, God detests haughty eyes, which signify self-exaltation, pride, and arrogance. This haughtiness stems from a lack of faith in Him and a sense of superiority over others.

This arrogance is akin to Nebuchadnezzar’s pride in creating his empire single-handedly, for which he was humbled by God (Daniel 4:28–37).

Contrary to haughtiness, humility involves concern for others, gratitude for God’s provision, and acknowledging Him in all actions (Proverbs 3:5–6). God detests the arrogance that refuses to acknowledge Him and looks down on others.

2. He Hates A Lying Tongue

Secondly, God despises deceptive speech. As Satan is the father of lies (John 8:44), it follows that God detests lying. While lying might seem minor compared to sins like murder or adultery, God does not view it as such.

Lying impedes the discovery of truth, hampers the formation of relationships, and erodes trust. It isolates individuals and harms others, especially when used for personal gain or protection.

Those who lie often may be attempting to conceal other wrongdoings. Such individuals do not truly care for others; they merely use them. Lying can lead to downfall, while truth brings freedom (John 8:31–32).

In the Book of James, the tongue is described as a small part of the body (James 3:5). Yet, it is portrayed more as a reflection of one’s character than a mere organ. The words it produces are the key lessons to be learned.

3. He Hates Hands That Shed Innocent Blood

Thirdly, God despises actions that harm innocent people, such as murder and unjust conflicts. He detests any failure to protect the innocent and defenseless.

God condemns those whose actions cause suffering for others. He values individuals and communities that uphold moral principles and advocate for the innocent. In contrast, those who disregard the protection of innocent lives for their convenience and self-interest are viewed with contempt.

4. He Hates A Heart That Devises Wicked Schemes

Fourthly, God despises a heart that harbors wicked thoughts. He disapproves not only of evil actions but also of the mere contemplation of such deeds. He desires our thoughts to honor Him and align with His will and kingdom. By refraining from entertaining wicked thoughts, we can prevent many sinful actions.

God, who constantly examines the heart (1 Samuel 16:7), interprets our actions as external manifestations of our internal state. Regardless of our deeds, whether immoral like stealing and adultery or moral like attending church and community service, if our hearts are not rightly aligned, He finds it displeasing.

The story of Abimelech in the Bible teaches us the dangers of unchecked ambition and the consequences of using violence and treachery to gain power.

5. He Hates Feet That Run Rapidly To Evil

Fifthly, God detests hasty actions toward evil. As Christians, we are offered the path of salvation, enabling us to resist sin’s temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13). We are called to resist evil and engage in spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6:10–13).

In contrast, those who recklessly entertain evil thoughts disregard the consequences and God’s will. Instead of rushing into evil, we should emulate God, make wise choices, and resist the devil’s temptations.

6. He Hates A False Witness Who Tries Out Lies

Sixthly, God detests those who bear false witness. He has expressed His dislike for lying, which betrays trust and rejects truth. He particularly despises those who spread falsehoods about others.

We are called to bear witness to God’s truth, His Word, and the truth about others. God views false witnesses, who unjustly tarnish another’s character, as a great evil. We must exercise caution in our endorsements, ensuring that we are advocating truth, not falsehoods.

7. He Hates A Person Who Stirs Up Conflict In The Community

Seventhly, God detests those who sow discord among brothers. Such individuals, through their actions such as picking fights, lying, enticing, taunting, or being uncooperative, can cause division within families and God’s spiritual family.

While some may prefer conflict over peace, God desires harmony for His church and His body, as far as it depends on us (Romans 12:18). Those who disregard peace, interfere with God’s work, and cause disruptions are viewed with contempt by God due to the distraction and damage they cause.

7 Abominations To God depicted as grotesque creatures emerging from an otherworldly portal

10 Bible Verses About The Seven Abominations

Proverbs 26:24–26

When someone speaks pleasantly, please do not believe them because they are harboring seven abominations in their hearts and minds. Even if their hatred is concealed by trickery, their wickedness will be revealed in front of the community.

Proverbs 24:11–12

Hold back those who are stumbling toward the slaughter, and save those who are being dragged away to be put to death. If you claim, “Look, we were unaware of this,” does the heart-weigher not sense it? He who keeps watching over your soul must be aware of it; otherwise, he would not reward a man according to his deeds.

Revelation 19:1–2

Following these events, I perceived what sounded like the resounding voice of a sizable crowd in heaven saying, “Hallelujah! Since He has condemned the big harlot who was defiling the earth with her immorality and taken revenge on her for the blood of His bondservants, our God is worthy of salvation, glory, and authority.”

Jeremiah 32:35

They constructed the Baal temples in the Ben-Hinnom Valley so that their sons and daughters would have to walk through fire to reach Molech. I had neither directed them nor had it ever crossed my mind that they should carry out this abomination to result in Judah’s sin.

Isaiah 44:19

Nobody can recollect, and neither does anybody have the knowledge nor understanding to make this claim and say, “I have burned half of it in the fire and made bread over its embers. I consumed roasted meat. I then turn the remainder of it into an abomination and kneel before a piece of wood.”

Deuteronomy 22:23–24

If a virgin girl who is engaged to a man is discovered in the city by another man who has an affair with her, you are required to take them both to the gate of the community. You must stone the girl to death for failing to cry out in public and stone the man to death for having an affair with his neighbor’s wife. As a result, you will eradicate the bad from your numbers.

Galatians 5:19–21

The fruits of the body are now clearly seen: sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, rivalry, conflict, jealousy, irrational outbursts, rivalries, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and other similar things. As previously, I forewarn you that individuals who engage in such behavior will not share in the inheritance of His kingdom.

Deuteronomy 25:13–16

You must not carry two items of different weights in your bag. You are not allowed to have other measurements in your home. Your days will be lengthened in the land that the Lord provides you with if you receive a full and just weight and measure. Everyone who engages in these actions and any unfair behavior is an abomination to the Lord your God.

Leviticus 7:21

Anyone who consumes the flesh of the sacrificed peace offerings that belong to the Lord and touches anything unclean—whether it be human uncleanness, an unclean animal, or any other unclean thing—will be exiled from His people.

Deuteronomy 7:25

You are to burn with fire the graven images of their gods or to take the silver or gold that is on them, but not to grab it for yourself. You will fall into their traps because it is an abomination to the Lord your God.

the Seven Abominations In The Holy Bible portrayed as ethereal shadowy entities

What Is Said About The Seven Abominations In The Holy Bible?

The Bible teaches us that not all sins are the same. It specifically labels one type of sin as an “abomination.” However, it also warns that any unrepentant sin can lead to damnation.

John the Baptist’s sermons, unlike much of today’s preaching, were direct and unambiguous. He did not compromise, show favoritism, or seek to maintain a reputation. His delivery might not have followed conventional homiletics, but his message was clear.

The term “abomination” appears 174 times in the Bible. Proverbs 6 provides a list of seven things that God finds particularly repulsive. Christians must reflect on these and strive to avoid them.

If we’ve strayed, there’s no better time than now to start anew. Psalm 23 offers a comforting promise: “He restoreth my soul.” With faith, repentance, and a resolve to live according to His word, we can find renewed strength to move forward triumphantly.

We Have Options In Life

God has always presented people with a choice between life and death. This began with the placement of the trees of life and the knowledge of good and evil in the Garden of Eden, symbolizing the choice between life and death.

Similarly, before entering the Promised Land, the children of Israel were presented with a choice. As stated in Deuteronomy 30:15, they had the option to choose life and prosperity or death and destruction.

Choosing A Life

Jesus, the embodiment of the Word, is the way, the truth, and the life. A person’s actions reflect the state of their heart: evil actions stem from an evil heart, while good actions originate from a good heart. The words we speak are a mirror of our hearts.

Desperate Sinners’ Foundation For Hope

In the fellowship of the Trinity, God is abundantly joyful. God is likened to a mountain spring, constantly supplying and overflowing, rather than a stagnant watering hole. Thus, it is more fitting to receive from Him, like drinking from a spring, rather than try to contribute to Him, like carrying water uphill to pour into the spring.

It aligns with the Scriptures that pleasing God involves coming to Him to receive, not to give, to drink in His blessings, not to replenish them. This understanding reinforces our faith and encourages us to remain steadfast.

an upright person in prayer favored by God

Why Does God Favor The Upright’s Prayers?

God finds pleasure in the prayers of the upright, as they are expressions of their hearts, in contrast to the sacrifices of the wicked, which He detests. The soul of an upright person, unlike that of a wicked one, glorifies God’s love, power, and grace.

A Gospel Appeal 

Praise and delight in God, your Creator. How can you do this? Approach His throne of grace through prayer, submit to His majesty and power, and receive the life-giving sustenance that flows from His throne, symbolized by drinking from the river of life.

A Prayer To Ask For God’s Forgiveness

Almighty God, our heavenly Father,

We have sinned against you.

Through our faults in thought, speech, deed, and what we have left undone.

Forgive us of all our transgressions in the Name of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit, and allow us to serve you in a renewed state of life to the praise of your Name.

Amen.
the profound truth about the seven abominations

Summary

While the seven abominations are not the only sins, they represent most of the evil deeds God forbids. These sins, which involve a person’s deepest motives, are detestable to God.

These teachings align with the Ten Commandments, as elaborated by Jesus in His Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:21–48). Sin begins in the heart, even before it is acted upon. By avoiding the seven things God hates, we can reveal our true intentions and motives.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are The Abominations In Deuteronomy?

In Deuteronomy, God describes certain practices as abominations, including child sacrifice, divination, sorcery, casting magic spells, and spiritualism. These actions are detestable to God, and He warns His people against them. While these are not the only sins mentioned in the Bible, they are specifically highlighted in Deuteronomy as abominations.

What Is An Example Of An Abomination?

In the Bible, an abomination refers to actions that violate God’s law and Christian principles. Examples include idolatry, occult practices, ungodly sexual relationships, dishonest business dealings, and injustice. These are not the only abominations, but they are significant ones. Essentially, any greatly disliked or abhorred action, condition, or habit can be considered an abomination.

2 thoughts on “7 Abominations To God And Reasons Why We Should Avoid Them”

  1. How about Leviticus where God calls lovers of self, men with men and women with women is an abomination.
    Det. Call it out as a detestable thing to God.
    In Rev is abomination of the unholy sacrifice in the temple.

    Reply
  2. Deuteronomy 22:5 was also missed.
    The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman’s garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the Lord thy God.

    Reply

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