Proverbs 6:16–19

Of Various Sins against the Second Table.

WARNING AGAINST FOOLISH SURETYSHIP, IDLENESS, AND MALICE. — In connection with the sudden calamity he has just mentioned the author enumerates some of the things which challenge the punishment of the Lord.

V. 16. These six things doth the Lord hate, yea, seven are an abomination unto Him, He regards them all with loathing and abhorrence:

  1. v. 17. a proud look, a haughty and supercilious behavior,

  2. a lying tongue, the organ of speech being named here for the false person,

  3. and hands that shed innocent blood, compare Isaiah 59, 7,

  4. v. 18. an heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, always planning mischief,

  5. feet that be swift in running to mischief, unable to restrain their eagerness for every form of wickedness,

  6. v. 19. a false witness that speaketh lies, literally, “breatheth out lies,” since he is addicted to that habit,

  7. and he that soweth discord among brethren, turning friends and relatives against one another.

Against all these sins the inspired writer warns the believers of all times, since Satan, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.