What God Hates

...and what He loves

Zechariah 8:16-17 (NIV)

“These are the things you are to do: Speak the truth to each other and render true and sound judgment in your courts; do not plot evil against each other, and do not love to swear falsely. I hate all this, declares the Lord.”

In this passage, the Lord was saying what He had determined to do good again to Jerusalem and Judah. It could as easily be applied to America today.

Another passage, Proverbs 6:16-19 (NIV), also states in clear language what God hates. Let’s make a list straight from the verses. There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him:

1. haughty eyes

2. a lying tongue

3. hands that shed innocent blood

4. a heart that devises wicked schemes

5. feet that are quick to rush into evil

6. a false witness who pours out lies

7. a man who stirs up dissension among brothers.

Therefore, by definition, this also tells us what God Loves.

What God Loves

1. A humble heart

Someone who is haughty is arrogant and full of pride. A haughty person acts superior and looks down on others. Haughty people are disdainful, overbearing, prideful, swaggering, and obnoxious. The opposite of haughty is humble, or meek. The words "meek" or "humble" (including their variations such as meekness, humbled, and humility) appear approximately 74–78 times in the Bible, depending on the translation. God loves a humble heart so much he makes many promises for this attribute. Here’s one: “But the meek shall inherit the land and delight themselves in abundant peace.” (Psalm 37:11)

2. The Truth

God hates lying so much, it is mentioned twice on this list! (#2 and #6). He loves the truth so much that "truth" 136 in the NIV to 235 times in the KJV. God deeply cherishes truth, as it reflects His divine nature. Scripture declares, "God is not a man, that He should lie" (Numbers 23:19). Truth is foundational to His character. Becoming more like him includes becoming more truthful in all that we do.

3. Protection of Life

The Fifth commandment given to Moses was “Thou shalt not kill.” However, even in “justified killing” - for example, in war, for justice, or in self-defense - is treated with gravity, because every life is sacred. Murder is intentional, unjustified, deliberate homicide. Since abortion was federally legalized by Roe v. Wade in January 1973, cumulative data from several reputable sources estimate that roughly 65 million abortions have been performed in the US. God loves all of us, especially babies. He wants us to love and protect life. He hates the shedding of innocent blood.

4. A Righteous Heart

A person who intentionally plans evil—someone who premeditates harm, deception, or injustice – is not just someone who impulsively commits a wrongdoing. The opposite of "a heart that devises wicked schemes" is a heart that purposes to do good, which God loves and delights in.

5. Choosing God’s way

“Rushing toward evil” speaks of impulsive, enthusiastic movement toward sin. God loves a heart that runs toward good—a heart that plans righteousness, pursues peace, and seeks to bless. He delights in feet that walk in His ways and obey His commands. As His people, we are called to examine our actions and carefully choose our paths.

6. Peace Among His People

A person who intentionally causes division, conflict, and/or strife within close relationships is hated by God, especially when it is fueled by gossip, manipulation, slander, or selfish ambition. "Among brothers" emphasizes that God hates it when there is divisiveness among the members of His Church family. Rather than stirring up strife, God honors those who sow unity—people who speak with integrity, build others up, and seek reconciliation. The pursuit of what is right reflects His nature and brings Him joy.

Serving the Lord, sharing the Gospel, and doing the things He loves is the most important things we can do in these times. And now that we know, we don’t have to guess!

Today’s Prayer

Dear Abba Father, thank you for clearly spelling out the path we need to follow. We need to follow Your Word no matter what is going on in our lives. Now that we clearly know what you love, Help us stay on the path that leads us to righteousness. Lift our burdens. Keep our heads high. Pull us ever closer to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.