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There are six things that the Lord hates, seven 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 make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers” (Proverbs 6:16-19, ESV).
Verses 16-19 of Proverbs 6 list of some of the things that God hates. Discuss these verses with your children, and have them draw pictures to illustrate each of the sins listed.
Below each sin are some examples of ways children (and adults) practice these sins. When discussing these, don’t miss the opportunity to make clear that God hates all sin. He hates it so much that we cannot have fellowship with Him apart from faith in His Son, who paid the penalty for our sin and clothes us with His righteousness. Through Him, we are given the grace to love and obey God. Through Him, and only Him, we are given the strength to do what is right, as described in the verses that are listed here with each sin.
1. Haughty eyes (or a proud look)
- Rolling the eyes in response to something said to them,
- Looking down on someone younger, different, or less intelligent
- Setting themselves up as the judge of others
- Thinking they are wiser than their parents and other elders
- Criticizing parents and other authorities
- Arguing with parents
- Disobeying and openly rebelling against authorities
- Ingratitude
- Boasting about one’s accomplishments, status, or knowledge
- Disrespect
“For God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time” (1 Peter 5:5-6).
2. A lying tongue
- Not telling the truth about a wrongdoing
- Withholding information that others need to have
- Hypocritical words
- Flattering to gain something from someone
- Exaggerating the facts
- Implying that something is true, or purposely leading someone to an incorrect assumption
- Telling partial truths
- Not honoring parents’ rules when they are absent
- Not offering evidence against a wrongdoer when necessary
- Committing to doing something with no real intention of following through
- Making excuses
- Blaming others for own sinful actions
“Lying lips are abomination to the Lord: but they that deal truly are his delight” (Proverbs 12:22).
3. Hands that shed innocent blood (Although children may not murder someone, they will exhibit anger, indifference, and other emotions that drive them to physically harm others.)
- Bullying
- Hitting, biting, kicking, hurting others
- Striking parents
- Carelessly abusing or killing animals for amusement (such as shooting little birds with a BB gun)
“He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour” (Proverbs 21:21).
4. A heart that devises wicked plans
- Plotting revenge
- Snubbing someone
- Conspiring to deceive or hurt someone
- Lying about a long series of actions in order to cover sin
“Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21).
5. Feet that make haste to run to evil
- Joining with others to do wrong when the authority is not present
- Delighting in doing wrong
“Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it” (Psalm 34:14).
6. A false witness who breathes out lies
- Falsely accusing someone of misbehavior and sin
- Misrepresenting a disagreement between people
- Falsely describing the actions of another person in a way that implies his guilt
- Not offering evidence against someone when asked to give testimony
- Covering for someone who has committed a wrongdoing
“Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: so shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man” (Proverbs 3:3-5).
7. One who sows discord among brothers
- Teasing
- Listening to gossip and repeating gossip
- Slandering, repeating truths that will harm another person’s reputation
- Leading others to imagine the worst about someone
- Stirring up disagreements and jealousies
- Arousing suspicions against someone
- Meddling in the disagreements of others
- Taking sides in disagreements
- Envying the success and blessing of others
“Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill? … He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour” (Psalm 15:1-3).
A Topical Reference Guide for Biblical Child-Training
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