How many things does the Lord hate according to Proverbs 6:16-17?

How many things does the Lord hate according to Proverbs 6:16-17?

• A. Six
• B. Seven
• C. Eight
• D. Five

Answer: (A)

The question hinges on how Proverbs 6:16-17 sets up two counts in one line: there are six things the Lord hates, and seven that are an abomination to him. That opening statement fixes the number of things hated at six. The verses then list six specific items—pride or haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that hurry to evil, and a false witness who speaks lies. The seventh item—one who sows discord among brothers—is described as an abomination to Him, not something He hates. So, the correct answer is six because the passage explicitly says there are six things the Lord hates, while the seventh is categorized separately as an abomination. This distinction shows that God cares about both harmful attitudes (like pride and deceit) and harmful actions (like murder and stirring up conflict).

The question hinges on how Proverbs 6:16-17 sets up two counts in one line: there are six things the Lord hates, and seven that are an abomination to him. That opening statement fixes the number of things hated at six. The verses then list six specific items—pride or haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that hurry to evil, and a false witness who speaks lies. The seventh item—one who sows discord among brothers—is described as an abomination to Him, not something He hates. So, the correct answer is six because the passage explicitly says there are six things the Lord hates, while the seventh is categorized separately as an abomination. This distinction shows that God cares about both harmful attitudes (like pride and deceit) and harmful actions (like murder and stirring up conflict).