Proverbs 6:17

KJV

A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,

KJV (with Strong's)

A proud {H7311} look {H5869}, a lying {H8267} tongue {H3956}, and hands {H3027} that shed {H8210} innocent {H5355} blood {H1818},

Complete Jewish Bible

a haughty look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood,

Berean Standard Bible

haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood,

American Standard Version

Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, And hands that shed innocent blood;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 6:17 initiates a solemn declaration of seven things the Lord unequivocally detests, serving as a profound revelation of divine abhorrence for specific attitudes and actions. This particular verse identifies a proud demeanor, deceitful speech, and violent acts against the blameless, exposing fundamental character flaws that undermine truth, justice, and the sanctity of human life. It powerfully conveys God's unwavering commitment to righteousness and His absolute opposition to all forms of wickedness that corrupt individuals and communities.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 6:17 is the opening statement of a distinct literary unit found in [Proverbs 6:16-19](/proverbs/6-16-19 "Proverbs 6:16-19 - The Seven Abominations the Lord Hates"). This passage employs a numerical proverb, a common Hebrew literary device (X, yes X+1), listing "six things the Lord hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him." This structure is not merely a count but emphasizes the cumulative nature, increasing severity, and comprehensive scope of these offenses, with the seventh item often serving as a climactic or summarizing point. The preceding verses in [Proverbs 6](/proverbs/6 "Proverbs 6 - Warnings Against Folly and Immorality") offer various admonitions against laziness, financial imprudence (surety), and illicit sexual relationships, establishing a broader context of moral instruction and the consequences of folly. This specific list of abominations functions as a foundational ethical statement, defining core character traits and actions that are antithetical to divine wisdom and the well-being of a righteous community, transitioning from specific warnings to universal principles of what God finds utterly repugnant.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Proverbs reflects the wisdom tradition of ancient Israel, which was deeply rooted in the covenant relationship with Yahweh and His revealed law. In this cultural setting, wisdom was not merely intellectual knowledge but practical skill in living righteously before God and within the community. The concept of "abomination" (Hebrew: _to'evah_) carried significant theological and social weight, often referring to practices or attitudes that were ritually impure, morally repugnant, or directly opposed to God's character and law, such as idolatry, unjust dealings, or sexual perversion. The societal structure placed high value on truthfulness, justice, and the sanctity of life, especially for the vulnerable and marginalized. Kings and judges were expected to uphold justice, and false witness or shedding innocent blood were capital offenses, viewed as direct affronts to the divine order established by God, who is the ultimate source of justice and truth.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Proverbs and the broader biblical narrative. It underscores the pervasive theme of **Wisdom vs. Folly**, clearly delineating what constitutes foolish, destructive behavior in God's eyes. The "proud look" points directly to the persistent theme of **Humility vs. Pride**, where pride is consistently depicted as a precursor to destruction and a direct affront to God, as powerfully stated in [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction"). The "lying tongue" highlights the critical importance of **Truth and Integrity**, contrasting sharply with the deceit and falsehood that characterize the wicked, a theme emphatically echoed in [Proverbs 12:22](/proverbs/12-22 "Proverbs 12:22 - Lying Lips Are an Abomination to the Lord"). Finally, "hands that shed innocent blood" emphasizes the absolute **Sanctity of Human Life** and the divine demand for **Justice**, reflecting the fundamental truth that humanity is made in the image of God, as established in [Genesis 9:6](/genesis/9-6 "Genesis 9:6 - The Sanctity of Human Life"). These three elements collectively form a foundational statement about the moral character God desires in His people and the behaviors He utterly condemns.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Proud (Hebrew, _rûwm'_):** From H7311, a primitive root meaning "to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)." When combined with "look" (Hebrew, _ʻayin'_ H5869, meaning "eye"), it paints a vivid picture of haughtiness. This signifies an elevated or arrogant gaze that manifests an inner spirit of self-exaltation, disdain for others, and often implies a defiant disregard for God's authority. It is a posture of self-sufficiency.
* **Lying (Hebrew, _sheqer'_):** From H8267, meaning "an untruth; by implication, a sham (often adverbial)." This word describes a deliberate falsehood, deceit, or perjury. A "lying tongue" (Hebrew, _lâshôwn'_ H3956, "tongue") is not merely mistaken speech but speech intended to mislead, manipulate, or harm, directly opposing the character of God who is absolute truth.
* **Innocent (Hebrew, _nâqîy'_):** From H5355, meaning "innocent; blameless, clean, clear, exempted, free, guiltless, quit." This term highlights the victim's blamelessness and lack of culpability, intensifying the wickedness of the act. Shedding "innocent blood" (Hebrew, _dâm'_ H1818, "blood") is murder without just cause, a profound violation of justice and the sanctity of life.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"A proud look":** This phrase refers to an arrogant or haughty demeanor, an outward manifestation of an inward spirit of pride. It speaks to an inflated sense of self-importance, a disdain for others, and a self-sufficient attitude that refuses to acknowledge dependence on God or respect for fellow human beings. This attitude is the very opposite of humility, which is foundational to true wisdom and a right relationship with God.
* **"a lying tongue":** This denotes speech characterized by falsehood, deceit, and dishonesty. It encompasses not only outright lies but also misrepresentation, slander, false witness, and any verbal communication intended to deceive, manipulate, or harm others. Such speech erodes trust within a community, corrupts justice, and fundamentally distorts truth, which is a core attribute of God's character.
* **"and hands that shed innocent blood":** This refers to the act of murder, specifically the unjust killing of those who are blameless or without cause. "Hands" represent agency and action, signifying the deliberate execution of the act, while "shedding blood" is a powerful idiom for taking a life. The inclusion of "innocent" underscores the profound wickedness and injustice of violating the sanctity of human life, which is made in the image of God, and committing an act of ultimate injustice against a blameless victim.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 6:17 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message with striking clarity and impact. The primary device is **Enumeration** or **List**, where specific items are cataloged as part of a larger series (introduced in [Proverbs 6:16](/proverbs/6-16 "Proverbs 6:16 - Six Things the Lord Hates")). This listing emphasizes their collective significance and the comprehensive nature of God's hatred for them. The verse also utilizes **Synecdoche**, a figure of speech where a part represents the whole: "look" (specifically the eyes) represents the entire attitude of pride, "tongue" represents the entirety of deceitful speech, and "hands" represent the full action of violent murder. This highlights the specific organs or actions associated with these sins, making them tangible, vivid, and deeply personal. Furthermore, the verse uses **Figurative Language** to describe abstract concepts: "proud look" is a visual metaphor for arrogance, and "lying tongue" personifies deceitful speech, giving a concrete image to an abstract moral failing. Together, these devices create a powerful and memorable indictment of these three fundamental evils.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 6:17, by identifying pride, deceit, and violence as abominations to God, establishes a foundational theological statement about His character and moral expectations for humanity. God is inherently truthful, perfectly just, and the ultimate source of all life; therefore, anything that opposes these divine attributes is profoundly repugnant to Him. This verse underscores that true wisdom begins with a reverent fear of the Lord and manifests in humility, integrity, and a profound respect for human life. It reveals that God is concerned not only with overt actions but also with the heart attitudes that drive them, as a "proud look" originates from an arrogant and rebellious heart. These principles resonate throughout Scripture, forming the bedrock of God's covenant demands and His consistent call for humanity to reflect His righteousness and holiness.

* [Proverbs 8:13](/proverbs/8-13 "Proverbs 8:13 - The Fear of the Lord is Hatred of Evil")
* [Psalm 5:6](/psalm/5-6 "Psalm 5:6 - God Hates Liars and the Bloodthirsty")
* [Matthew 5:8](/matthew/5-8 "Matthew 5:8 - Blessed are the Pure in Heart")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 6:17 serves as a powerful mirror, inviting us to deeply examine our inner attitudes and outward expressions. It challenges us to cultivate a spirit of genuine humility, recognizing our dependence on God and valuing others above ourselves, rather than seeking self-exaltation. In a world often saturated with misinformation, manipulative narratives, and self-promotion, this verse calls us to commit unequivocally to truthfulness in all our words and dealings, understanding that integrity builds trust, fosters healthy relationships, and ultimately honors God, who is truth. Furthermore, it compels us to uphold the sanctity of human life in every sphere, extending beyond literal murder to opposing injustice, oppression, and any act that diminishes the inherent dignity and worth of those made in God's image. Our character, as revealed through our demeanor, speech, and actions, profoundly matters to God, and striving against these abominations is a lifelong pursuit of godliness and a reflection of His own righteous character.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might a "proud look" manifest, even subtly, in my attitudes toward God or others? How can I cultivate genuine humility?**
* **How does my speech align with truthfulness? Are there instances where I might be tempted to use a "lying tongue" for personal gain, to avoid discomfort, or to manipulate situations?**
* **Beyond literal violence, how can I actively uphold the sanctity of human life and advocate for justice for the "innocent" and vulnerable in my community and the world?**

### FAQ
**Why is "a proud look" listed first among the abominations?**

Answer: The listing of "a proud look" first is highly significant because pride (Hebrew: _rûwm_ H7311, meaning "to be high," combined with _ʻayin_ H5869 for 'eye' or 'look') is often considered the foundational sin from which many other transgressions spring. It represents an inflated sense of self-importance, a self-exalting attitude that stands in direct opposition to God's sovereignty and the humility required for true wisdom and a right relationship with Him. Pride leads to a disregard for God's commands, contempt for others, and a refusal to acknowledge one's own need for grace and dependence on the Creator. It was the sin attributed to Satan's fall ([Isaiah 14:12-15](/isaiah/14-12-15 "Isaiah 14:12-15 - The Fall of Lucifer")) and is consistently condemned throughout Scripture as an abomination to the Lord, who "opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble" ([James 4:6](/james/4-6 "James 4:6 - God Opposes the Proud")).

**How do these three specific sins (pride, lying, violence) relate to God's character?**

Answer: These three sins—a proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood—are highlighted because they directly contradict fundamental attributes of God's character. God is inherently humble, demonstrated supremely in Christ's incarnation and self-emptying ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). He is absolute Truth; therefore, a "lying tongue" (Hebrew: _sheqer_ H8267 for 'untruth') is an abomination to Him, as He cannot lie ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life"); [Titus 1:2](/titus/1-2 "Titus 1:2 - God, Who Cannot Lie")). God is also the Giver and Sustainer of life, and He is perfectly just; thus, "hands that shed innocent blood" (Hebrew: _shâphak_ H8210 for 'shedding' and _nâqîy_ H5355 for 'innocent') are a profound offense against His creative work and His righteous nature, as human life bears His image ([Genesis 9:6](/genesis/9-6 "Genesis 9:6 - The Sanctity of Human Life")). These abominations reveal God's deep moral revulsion for anything that distorts truth, abuses power, or devalues human life.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 6:17, though from the Old Testament wisdom literature, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He perfectly embodies the antithesis of these abominations. Where the proverb condemns a "proud look," Jesus demonstrated ultimate humility, not clinging to His divine equality but emptying Himself and taking the form of a servant, even to death on a cross ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). In stark contrast to a "lying tongue," Jesus is the embodiment of truth, declaring, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")), and His words were always pure, without deceit, and full of grace and truth ([1 Peter 2:22](/1_peter/2-22 "1 Peter 2:22 - Christ Committed No Sin")). Most profoundly, while the proverb condemns "hands that shed innocent blood," Jesus, the truly innocent Lamb of God ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), willingly allowed His own innocent blood to be shed on the cross. This was not an act of injustice against Him in God's ultimate plan, but the perfect, atoning sacrifice for the sins of humanity, by which we are reconciled to God ([Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Without the Shedding of Blood There is No Forgiveness")). Thus, Christ not only perfectly avoided these abominations but also provided the means for humanity to be delivered from their power and guilt, transforming hearts from pride to humility, from deceit to truth, and from violence to life in Him.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 120:2

Deliver my soul, O LORD, from lying lips, [and] from a deceitful tongue.

Psalms 120:3

What shall be given unto thee? or what shall be done unto thee, thou false tongue?

Proverbs 12:22

¶ Lying lips [are] abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly [are] his delight.

Isaiah 1:15

And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood.

Psalms 101:5

Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer.

Psalms 5:6

Thou shalt destroy them that speak leasing: the LORD will abhor the bloody and deceitful man.

Deuteronomy 27:25

Cursed [be] he that taketh reward to slay an innocent person. And all the people shall say, Amen.