“There are six things the Lord hates—no, seven things he detests: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that kill the innocent, a heart that plots evil, feet that race to do wrong, a false witness who pours out lies, a person who sows discord in a family.”

These verses are filled with wisdom and remind us of the attitudes and actions that displease God. As we consider this list of what the Lord detests, let’s also consider the opposite virtues that do please him. By doing so we can better align with his character and discover his purpose for our lives.

Take a moment to reflect on these warnings, and ask God to speak to your heart with a gentle reminder of how we are called to live out his Godly virtues and avoid falling into the traps and temptations of these negative behaviors:

  1. BE HUMBLE (Avoid having haughty eyes): Pride and arrogance create barriers, but humility opens the door to genuine relationships. When we recognize our dependence on God, we grow and become open to his guidance and grace, valuing others above ourselves.
  2. BE TRUTHFUL (Don’t have a lying tongue): Dishonesty damages trust, but speaking the truth builds healthy relationships. Being honest in our words and actions reflects God’s nature and makes us reliable witnesses of his love and integrity.
  3. PROTECT LIFE (Don’t use your hands to kill the innocent): Taking a life is detestable but valuing and protecting life honors God’s creation. We are called to be defenders of the vulnerable and advocates for peace.
  4. BE PURE IN HEART (Don’t let your heart plot evil): Evil intentions corrupt us, but a heart focused on goodness is better positioned to uplift others. By filling our minds with what is pure and honorable, we become vessels of God’s love.
  5. BE RIGHTEOUS (Don’t let your feet race to do wrong): Impulsive wrongdoing leads to sin, but choosing righteousness reflects God’s justice and mercy. Allowing intentional, thoughtful actions to guide us each day will help us walk faithfully in his ways.
  6. HAVE INTEGRITY (Don’t bear false witness or pour out lies): Bearing false witness harms relationships but living with integrity strengthens relationships and honors God. By being authentic, we reflect the truth of Jesus, unlike those who bear false witness and harm relationships.
  7. SEEK UNITY (Don’t be someone who sows division in a family or community): Sowing discord breeds division, but promoting peace reflects God’s heart for unity. As peacemakers, we seek to reconcile differences and build bridges of harmony and understanding.

Lord, continue transforming my life by helping me to embrace these virtues. Fill me with humility, truth, and integrity. Guide my actions toward righteousness and use me as an instrument of peace in my family and my community. May I reflect your love and grace to all those around me. Amen.