This biblical word, which occurs at least 170 times in the scriptures, is not familiar to many New Testament believers, primarily because it is mainly associated with the event known as “the abomination of desolation” during the last days tribulation period (Daniel 11:31, Matthew 24:15, Mark 13:14). However, it has substantial and significant use for those who desire to more fully understand the very nature of our God and our Savior, Christ Jesus.
The dictionary definition of “abomination,” which is typically a noun, reads, “something that causes disgust or hatred,” and was common terminology during the 1800s. Biblically speaking, “abomination” is a powerful term, generally referring to something that is absolutely and unequivocally detestable, and / or profoundly contrary to God’s Holiness. This encompasses willfully ignoring His instructions, participating in idolatry, improper worship, acts of immorality, unethical behavior, and dishonesty. Spiritually and fundamentally “abomination” refers to any practice or attitude that distances individuals from God’s desired purposes and plans, which includes both His Truth and His Love, accompanied by His Holiness, Righteousness and Justice.
There are six things which the Lord hates, yes, seven which are an abomination (Hebrew – tow`ebah; repulsive, even dangerous and destructive, abhorrent) to Him: 1) haughty eyes, 2) a lying tongue, 3) and hands that shed innocent blood, 4) a heart that devises wicked plans, 5) feet that run rapidly to evil, 6) a false witness who utters lies, 7) and one who spreads strife among brothers.
Proverbs 6:16-19
Be assured, all 7 fall into the same category of being an “abomination” to our Lord, and if that’s the case exactly where do we stand?
HAUGHTY EYES – displaying a proud look, being unkind and irreverent toward others! See Psalm 101:5, Proverbs 21:4, 30:13
A LYING TONGUE – speaking falsehood, which implies a wrong motive. Vanity, improper ambition, and even cowardice serve as the generators and patrons of lies. A pure heart has no motive for falsehood; however, sadly, there exist social pressures that work to loosen the mind and tongue… such as expectations, and the somewhat confused human need for acceptance and approval!
See Psalm 31:18, 120:2, Proverbs 12:22, Ephesians 4:25
HANDS THAT SHED INNOCENT BLOOD – heartless cruelty. A lack of understanding for God’s created creatures … inflicting needless pain, incivility, and death upon any human, as well as other life forms!
See Isaiah 1:15, 59:7, Proverbs 28:17, Exodus 20:13
A HEART THAT DEVISES WICKED PLANS – this is vicious scheming. This is birthed from pagan concepts and wicked thoughts / imaginations. These individuals are continuously inventing some form of evil behavior, usually with the intent of damaging others, for satisfying some demented dream, or to fulfill some delusional pleasures! See Genesis 6:5, Proverbs 24:2
FEET THAT RUN RAPIDLY TO EVIL – an eagerness to participate in mischievous sinful / wicked activities / behavior. These have an unrestrained passion / vigilance and a lust to participate in questionable, improper and / or immoral activities.
See Proverbs 1:15-16, Isaiah 59:7, Romans 3:10-18
A FALSE WITNESS WHO UTTERS LIES – a slanderer. Socially attempting to destroy another’s reputation, credibility, or successful good / positive achievements. This ungodly behavior may be motivated by jealousy, a lack of purpose or acceptance, poor training, and / or a desire for some type of social recognition!
See Proverbs 12:17-18, 19:5, 19:9, 21:28, Matthew 15:19
ONE WHO SPREADS STRIFE (sows discord) AMONG BROTHERS – here lies wicked, evil intentions. Someone who intentionally works to damage, disrupt, destroy, and / or sever relationships, friendships, and / or even quality organizations (like Christ’s True / Believing Church)!
See Proverbs 6:14-15, 16:28, 22:10, 26:20, 2 Timothy 2:23, James 3:6, 14-16
All of these things are an “abomination” to God, who desires exactly the opposite for His people . . . wanting harmony, peace, unity, love and truth to prevail among those of the kingdom even while stationed in this world. The moral hideousness of the world is obvious where these seven evils abound. However, the righteousness and holiness of our Lord clearly emerges when one considers His displeasure / hatred for these things which are 100% foreign to the nature and character of the ONE! TRUE! LIVING GOD!
While we live in a world set on “abomination,” it is not our responsibility to rid the world of these evils except through the spreading of the Gospel. Therefore, we should individually and corporately, as Christ’s Church body, consider these behaviors totally, unquestionably, and absolutely reprehensible – never to be found or tolerated among us!
“For the devious are an abomination to the Lord; But He is intimate with the upright. The curse of the Lord is on the house of the wicked, but He blesses the dwelling of the righteous.”
Proverbs 3:32-33
Meditate on His Word, day and night and you’ll find an unbelievable escape and freedom from the mindset of those who are perishing. (see 1 Corinthians 1:18-19)
His & Yours, because of G R A C E(God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense)
Pastor Frank
