Proverbs 6:17

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

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

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

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

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

Commentary

Context of Proverbs 6:17

Proverbs 6:17 is the first in a list of seven things that the Lord specifically declares as an "abomination" or deeply hateful to Him, introduced in Proverbs 6:16. This section of Proverbs serves as a strong moral guide, outlining behaviors and attitudes that stand in direct opposition to divine wisdom and righteousness. The book of Proverbs, as a whole, is a collection of practical wisdom for living a godly life, often contrasting virtuous conduct with foolish or wicked actions. This particular list highlights fundamental character flaws that undermine community, truth, and the sanctity of life.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Pride and Arrogance: The "proud look" signifies an arrogant spirit, a self-exalting attitude that despises others and disregards God. This is presented as the first detestable quality, underscoring the deep biblical aversion to pride, which often leads to destruction (Proverbs 16:18).
  • Deceit and Falsehood: A "lying tongue" points to dishonesty and the deliberate manipulation of truth. This is a foundational sin that erodes trust, corrupts justice, and fundamentally opposes the character of God, who is truth itself. The Bible consistently condemns lying as an abomination (Proverbs 12:22).
  • Violence and Injustice: "Hands that shed innocent blood" refers to murder, especially the unjust killing of the blameless. This is a grave offense against God's creation and the sanctity of human life, which is made in His image (Genesis 9:6). It speaks to a disregard for human dignity and the ultimate violation of justice.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew terms used convey precise meanings:

  • "A proud look" is from the Hebrew rum 'ayin (ืจื•ึผื ืขึทื™ึดืŸ), literally meaning "haughty eyes" or "elevated eyes." It vividly portrays an outward expression of inner arrogance and self-importance.
  • "A lying tongue" is leshon shaqer (ืœึฐืฉืื•ึนืŸ ืฉึถืืงึถืจ), a straightforward and emphatic denouncement of falsehood spoken with intent to deceive.
  • "Hands that shed innocent blood" uses yadayim shofekhot dam naqi (ื™ึธื“ึทื™ึดื ืฉึนืืคึฐื›ื•ึนืช ื“ึธึผื ื ึธืงึดื™). The phrase "shed innocent blood" is a strong idiom for committing unjust murder, highlighting the blamelessness of the victim and the wickedness of the act.

Practical Application

Proverbs 6:17 provides a timeless moral compass, calling believers to:

  • Cultivate Humility: Examine our attitudes for any hint of pride or arrogance. True wisdom begins with humility before God and respect for others.
  • Embrace Truthfulness: Commit to honesty in all speech and dealings. A life of integrity builds trust and reflects God's character.
  • Value Human Life: Recognize the sacredness of every human life. This extends beyond literal murder to opposing all forms of injustice, oppression, and violence against the vulnerable.

This verse serves as a powerful reminder that God is not only concerned with outward actions but also with the heart attitudes that drive them. Our character, expressed through our demeanor, words, and deeds, matters deeply to Him.

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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

    ยถ 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.
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