TRV
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Proverbs 6:12–19. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Solomon here gives us,
I.The characters of one that is mischievous to man and dangerous to be dealt with.
If the slothful are to be condemned, that do nothing, much more those that do ill, and contrive to do all the ill they can. It is a naughty person that is here spoken of, Heb. A man of Belial; I think it should have been so translated, because it is a term often used in scripture, and this is the explication of it. Observe,
1.How a man of Belial is here described. He is a wicked man, that makes a trade of doing evil, especially with his tongue, for he walks and works his designs with a froward mouth (Pro 6:12), by lying and perverseness, and a direct opposition to God and man. He says and does every thing,
(1.)Very artfully and with design. He has the subtlety of the serpent, and carries on his projects with a great deal of craft and management (Pro 6:13), with his eyes, with his feet, with his fingers. He expresses his malice when he dares not speak out (so some), or, rather, thus he carries on his plot; those about him, whom he makes use of as the tools of his wickedness, understand the ill meaning of a wink of his eye, a stamp of his feet, the least motion of his fingers. He gives orders for evil-doing, and yet would not be thought to do so, but has ways of concealing what he does, so that he may not be suspected. He is a close man, and upon the reserve; those only shall be let into the secret that would do any thing he would have them to do. He is a cunning man, and upon the trick; he has a language by himself, which an honest man is not acquainted with, nor desires to be.
(2.)Very spitefully and with ill design. It is not so much ambition or covetousness that is in his heart, as downright frowardness, malice, and ill nature. He aims not so much to enrich and advance himself as to do an ill turn to those about him. He is continually devising one mischief or other, purely for mischief-sake - a man of Belial indeed, of the devil, resembling him not only in subtlety, but in malice.
2.What his doom is (Pro 6:15): His calamity shall come and he shall be broken; he that devised mischief shall fall into mischief. His ruin shall come,
(1.)Without warning. It shall come suddenly: Suddenly shall he be broken, to punish him for all the wicked arts he had to surprise people into his snares.
(2.)Without relief. He shall be irreparably broken, and never able to piece again: He shall be broken without remedy. What relief can he expect that has disobliged all mankind? He shall come to his end and none shall help him, Dan 11:45.
II.A catalogue of those things which are in a special manner odious to God, all which are generally to be found in those men of Belial whom he had described in the foregoing verses; and the last of them (which, being the seventh, seems especially to be intended, because he says they are six, yea, seven) is part of his character, that he sows discord. God hates sin; he hates every sin; he can never be reconciled to it; he hates nothing but sin. But there are some sins which he does in a special manner hate; and all those here mentioned are such as are injurious to our neighbour. It is an evidence of the good-will God bears to mankind that those sins are in a special manner provoking to him which are prejudicial to the comfort of human life and society. Therefore the men of Belial must expect their ruin to come suddenly, and without remedy, because their practices are such as the Lord hates and are an abomination to him, Pro 6:16. Those things which God hates it is no thanks to us to hate in others, but we must hate them in ourselves.
1.Haughtiness, conceitedness of ourselves, and contempt of others - a proud look. There are seven things that God hates, and pride is the first, because it is at the bottom of much sin and gives rise to it. God sees the pride in the heart and hates it there; but, when it prevails to that degree that the show of men's countenance witnesses against them that they overvalue themselves and undervalue all about them, this is in a special manner hateful to him, for then pride is proud of itself and sets shame at defiance.
2.Falsehood, and fraud, and dissimulation. Next to a proud look nothing is more an abomination to God than a lying tongue; nothing more sacred than truth, nor more necessary to conversation than speaking truth. God and all good men hate and abhor lying.
3.Cruelty and blood-thirstiness. The devil was, from the beginning, a liar and a murderer (Joh 8:44), and therefore, as a lying tongue, so hands that shed innocent blood are hateful to God, because they have in them the devil's image and do him service.
4.Subtlety in the contrivance of sin, wisdom to do evil, a heart that designs and a head that devises wicked imaginations, that is acquainted with the depths of Satan and knows how to carry on a covetous, envious, revengeful plot, most effectually. The more there is of craft and management in sin the more it is an abomination to God.
5.Vigour and diligence in the prosecution of sin - feet that are swift in running to mischief, as if they were afraid of losing time or were impatient of delay in a thing they are so greedy of. The policy and vigilance, the eagerness and industry, of sinners, in their sinful pursuits, may shame us who go about that which is good so awkwardly and so coldly.
6.False-witness bearing, which is one of the greatest mischiefs that the wicked imagination can devise, and against which there is least fence. There cannot be a greater affront to God (to whom in an oath appeal is made) nor a greater injury to our neighbour (all whose interests in this world, even the dearest, lie open to an attack of this kind) than knowingly to give in a false testimony. There are seven things which God hates, and lying involves two of them; he hates it, and doubly hates it.
7.Making mischief between relations and neighbours, and using all wicked means possible, not only to alienate their affections one from another, but to irritate their passions one against another. The God of love and peace hates him that sows discord among brethren, for he delights in concord. Those that by tale-bearing and slandering, by carrying ill-natured stories, aggravating every thing that is said and done, and suggesting jealousies and evil surmises, blow the coals of contention, are but preparing for themselves a fire of the same nature.
Historical interpretation
Three Centuries of Reception
3 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
“A heart that forges evil thoughts.” Indeed, since the heart was impure, it also made the limbs impure, so that it shed the poison to its extremities.… By “brothers” he [Solomon] means those who have obtained the grace of adoption and are subjected to Christ our father. When unjust or lustful thoughts come to them, these thoughts try to trouble them. In fact, they inflame them to anger which causes hatred, and to evil desires which bring about immoral actions.
“A proud eye, an unjust tongue, hands that shed just blood.” He [Solomon] emphasizes evil actions through members of the body used wickedly. As the eye, the tongue and the hands act in the body, in the same manner reflection, impulse and decision act in the soul. And, he [Solomon] did not enumerate these things to us without reason, but in order that we might learn to be moderate through them. Those who, while drinking the blood of the Lord, yet remain polluted with iniquity are shedding the blood of the just.
Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, etc. He enumerates six capital crimes, which yet, in comparison to the one who sows discord, he somewhat diminishes as lesser, because indeed the greater crime is that which disrupts the unity and fraternity connected by the grace of the Holy Spirit. For anyone can proudly lift up their eyes, lie with their tongue, be polluted with murder, plot evil against their neighbor, subject their members to other crimes, bear false witness against someone. This should not be thought to be the same as what he previously called a lying tongue. For a lie can be spoken, but not against a neighbor. For even blessed Augustine teaches that there are eight kinds of lies in the book he wrote on Lies. Anyone who is lost can inflict such evils on themselves or others, while maintaining the peace of the Church. But Donatus and Arius and their followers did something graver, who tore apart the concord of fraternal unity by sowing discord.
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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. 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 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. 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. 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. 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
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.
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.
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). 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.
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
FAQ
Why is "a proud look" listed first among the abominations?
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) 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).
How do these three specific sins (pride, lying, violence) relate to God's character?
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). 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; Titus 1:2). 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). 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). 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), and His words were always pure, without deceit, and full of grace and truth (1 Peter 2:22). Most profoundly, while the proverb condemns "hands that shed innocent blood," Jesus, the truly innocent Lamb of God (John 1:29), 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). 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.