InstaStudy

Abominations to the Lord: A Study of Proverbs 6:16-19

An exploration of the seven things the Lord hates, as listed in Proverbs, and their implications for righteous living.

1. A Proud Look: The Sin of Arrogance

1.1 Defining Pride

Verses: Proverbs 16:5; James 4:6
  • Pride is an inflated sense of self-importance, a belief that one is superior to others.
  • Scripture teaches that God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.

1.2 The Consequences of Pride

Verses: Proverbs 11:2; Proverbs 29:23
  • Pride leads to shame and destruction.
  • Humility brings honor and wisdom.

2. A Lying Tongue: The Deceit of Falsehood

2.1 The Nature of Lying

Verses: John 8:44; Revelation 21:8
  • Lying is rooted in the nature of the adversary, who is the father of lies.
  • Those who practice falsehood will face judgment.

2.2 The Importance of Truth

Verses: Ephesians 4:25; Psalm 15:2
  • We are called to speak truth to one another, as members of one body.
  • Truthfulness is a mark of a righteous person.

3. Hands That Shed Innocent Blood: The Sanctity of Life

3.1 The Value of Human Life

Verses: Genesis 9:6; Psalm 139:13-16
  • Human life is sacred because it is made in the image of God.
  • God knows us intimately from conception.

3.2 Avoiding Violence and Hatred

Verses: Matthew 5:21-22; 1 John 3:15
  • Jesus taught that anger and hatred are akin to murder in the heart.
  • We must strive for peace and reconciliation.

4. A Heart That Devises Wicked Plans: The Source of Evil

4.1 The Seat of Intent

Verses: Matthew 15:19; Jeremiah 17:9
  • Evil actions originate in the heart, the seat of our thoughts and intentions.
  • The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked.

4.2 Guarding the Heart

Verses: Proverbs 4:23; Philippians 4:8
  • We must diligently guard our hearts, for everything we do flows from it.
  • We should fill our minds with things that are true, noble, and right.

5. Feet That Are Swift in Running to Evil: The Urgency of Sin

5.1 The Allure of Sin

Verses: Romans 7:15-20; Hebrews 3:13
  • Sin can be enticing and lead us astray quickly.
  • We must be careful not to be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.

5.2 Resisting Temptation

Verses: 1 Corinthians 10:13; James 4:7
  • God provides a way of escape from every temptation.
  • We must resist the adversary, and he will flee from us.

6. A False Witness Who Speaks Lies: The Corruption of Testimony

6.1 The Power of Words

Verses: Proverbs 18:21; Matthew 12:36-37
  • Our words have the power of life and death.
  • We will be held accountable for every careless word we speak.

6.2 Bearing True Witness

Verses: Acts 1:8; 1 Peter 3:15
  • We are called to be witnesses of the truth, sharing the message of salvation.
  • We should always be ready to give a reason for the hope that we have.

7. One Who Sows Discord Among Brethren: The Destruction of Unity

7.1 The Importance of Unity

Verses: Psalm 133:1; John 17:21
  • Unity among believers is pleasing to God and brings blessing.
  • Jesus prayed that we would be one, even as He and the Father are one.

7.2 Pursuing Peace

Verses: Romans 12:18; Hebrews 12:14
  • We should make every effort to live in peace with everyone.
  • Without holiness and peace, no one will see the Lord.