Seven Things That Rub God the Wrong Way

Here’s a Look at Proverbs 6:16-19

Here’s the thing—we tend to think our little choices don’t matter. We figure God’s got bigger fish to fry than watching what we say, how we treat people, or whether we cut corners when nobody’s looking. But Proverbs 6:16-19 throws that idea right back in our faces.

“There are six things that the Lord hates, even seven things that are an abomination to Him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift to run to evil, a false witness who pours out lies, and a person who spreads discord among family members.” Proverbs 6:16-19 (NET)

Breaking Down Each Offense

1. Haughty Eyes — Pride, plain and simple. That look you give someone like you’re better than them. Condescension. Looking down your nose. The whole “I’m on a different level” vibe. God’s not into that.

2. A Lying Tongue — We’ve all been guilty here. Sometimes it’s a straight-up lie. Sometimes it’s exaggerating. Sometimes it’s just saying something that sounds true but conveniently leaves out the messy parts. Yeah, that counts too.

3. Hands That Shed Innocent Blood — Violence against people who can’t defend themselves. Protecting the vulnerable isn’t optional—it’s what we’re supposed to do. When we hurt them, God notices.

4. A Heart That Devises Wicked Plans — It’s not just what we do, it’s what we plan. God sees what happens behind closed doors when nobody’s watching. Those thoughts we nurse when we’re alone? He knows them.

5. Feet That Are Swift To Run To Evil — Some people don’t just stumble into sin—they race toward it. Enthusiasm for doing the wrong thing. That’s the kind of eagerness God hates.

6. A False Witness Who Pours Out Lies — This one’s literal (lying under oath), but it’s also broader. Spreading false stuff about people. Gossip. Damaging someone’s reputation because it’s convenient or entertaining. It all falls under this.

7. A Person Who Spreads Discord Among Family Members — People who thrive on drama. The folks who fan the flames just to watch things burn. Peacemakers get the blessing; troublemakers bring the mess.

Pretty direct, right? And honestly, pretty uncomfortable.

Why This Hits Different

So instead of starting with some warm fuzzy promise, this passage just lays it out. No fluff. Solomon (yes, that Solomon) doesn’t come at you with hints—he says exactly what God hates.

And that number seven? It’s not random. In Scripture, seven means “complete” or “full measure.” So this list isn’t exhaustive—it’s representative. These seven point to a bigger pattern: God cares deeply about how we treat other people, especially folks who can’t fight back.

The Thing That Connects Them All

Look closer and you’ll see the pattern. None of these are religious rule-breaking—like skipping church or forgetting to pray. These are relationship crimes. Every single one hurts how we relate to other people.

Jesus nailed it when he said the whole Law comes down to loving God and loving others (Matthew 22:37-39). Proverbs 6:16-19 basically shows us what it looks like when we bomb at the second part.

So What Does This Mean for Normal Life?

We’re living in a world where:

• Social media feeds our ego constantly
• “Fake news” and spin are everywhere
• Everyone’s fighting everyone
• People still hurt the helpless
• Drama is basically currency online

Which means this question hits hard: where am I on this list?

And before you panic—this isn’t written to crush you. It’s written to wake you up. If reading this makes you squirm a bit, that’s actually good. Conviction from the Holy Spirit is mercy, not punishment.

Okay, Now What?

If this passage shows you places you’ve messed up, here’s the hope you can lean on:

• “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” 1 John 1:9 (NET)
• “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” Romans 8:1 (NET)
• “By his sovereign plan he gave us birth through the message of truth…” (James 1:18 (NET)

Grace is real. Forgiveness is real. New beginnings are real.

But grace isn’t a free pass to stay stuck in old habits. James 1:22 puts it bluntly: “But make sure you act on what the word says, not just listening to it and deceiving yourselves.”

Let’s Do Something About It

Here’s a simple plan for this week:

1. Take an Honest Look at Yourself — Set aside 10 minutes with zero distractions. Read through each of the seven offenses. Ask yourself which ones sting a little. Which ones feel uncomfortably familiar? Don’t skip past the discomfort—that’s where growth happens.

2. Actually Confess — Praying vaguely isn’t enough. Name the specific stuff you’re turning away from. Tell God exactly what you’re surrendering. Ask Him to change you, not just pardon you.

3. Fight Fire With Opposites — Instead of just avoiding what God hates, chase after what He loves. Humble yourself. Speak truth on purpose. Make peace. Stand up for people who need someone in their corner. Integrity in your headspace and in your actions.

Forward this to someone who needs to hear it. Sometimes the people we care about need to know that change isn’t impossible—and that grace is waiting.

“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a faithful spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10, NET)

May this passage not just make you think, but actually move you. The God who calls out our sin is the same God who restores us.

What jumped out at you from Proverbs 6:16-19? Drop a comment below—let’s chat about it.