What Does God Hate?

(Proverbs 6:16 NASB)  There are six things which the LORD hates, Yes, seven which are an abomination to Him:

Yes, contrary to insipid Christian teaching, the Lord “hates” (8130).  The word is very frequent in Proverbs and us usually translated this way.  It appears a few times a enemy, once as foes and once as unloved.  God is capable of this feeling but keep in mind He created the world and existed before time, so don’t assume you can do anything He does.  Most of the times the word is used it is used of people, but not as a compliment. 

The target of His hatred is clear.  He hates most those things, and people, who are an “abomination” (8441) .  What does the Bible say God hates?  For one thing, divorce.  He hates the pagan festivals of Israel.  He hates robbing his offerings.  He hated Esau.  All of these are tied to people who are perverting the will of God.  In spite of that, or because of that, Jesus still went to the Cross.

In the next few verses we have behaviors and attitudes that generate the wrath of God.  It is a list that is similar to Paul list in Galatians 5:19ff as deeds of the flesh, just before the gifts of the Spirit.  As we learn to discipline our lives these are handy as checklists to see how we are doing and as prayer lists to ask the Spirit to mature us.

So?  As a general rule we are to love, not hate.  We are to turn the other cheek and forgive those who wrong us.  Be careful that you don’t allow anger, even at unrighteousness, control you.  I am often tempted to hatred because I have strong political feelings.  I have a rush of hostility when I see real bullying take place.  In the midst of my anger I need to be careful not to let hate get the upper hand.  We are to love as He loved us.