The book of Proverbs has much to say about God's love. It also has much to say about human behaviors and thoughts God hates. We usually don't think of God expressing displeasure in such terms as hate. In Proverbs, powerful words are used to describe God's reactions to human beings.

Proverbs 3:31-32: "Do not envy the oppressor, and choose none of his ways. For the perverse person is an abomination to the LORD..." The Hebrew word translated "abomination" means something that is repulsive. God finds certain human actions to be repulsive.

Points to build on

Lies are an abomination to God.

Proverbs 12:22: "Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who deal truthfully are His delight."

The wicked (people who live in rebellion against His ways) are an abomination to God, but He loves the righteous.

Proverbs 15:8-9: "The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, but the prayer of the upright is His delight. The way of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, but He loves him who follows righteousness."

Even a person's thoughts can be an abomination to God.

Proverbs 15:26: "The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord, but the words of the pure are pleasant."

A person who supports others who are wicked is an abomination to God.

Proverbs 17:15: "He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the just, both of them alike are an abomination to the Lord."

Things God hates.

In Proverbs 6:16-18 we have a list of seven "things the Lord hates."

"There are six things the LORD hates—no, seven things he detests:

1. Haughty eyes
2. A lying tongue
3. Hands that kill the innocent
4. A heart that plots evil
5. Feet that race to do wrong
6. A false witness who pours out lies
7. A person who sows discord among brothers

A wise person regularly examines his or her life to see if any of these traits have seeped into his or her character. It is just as important to strive to become a person whose character exhibits the opposite traits.

What God hates vs. What God loves

1. Haughty eyes or pride vs. A person who is humble
2. A lying tongue vs. A person who is honest
3. Hands that kill the innocent vs. A person who defends the innocent
4. A heart that plots evil vs. A person who avoids evil
5. Feet that race to do wrong vs. A person who flees from wrong
6. A false witness that pours out lies vs. A person who doesn't lie, slander or gossip
7. A person who sows discord among brethren vs. A person who is a peacemaker

Application

Ultimately, wisdom is more than just knowing how to make good decisions. Wisdom is revealed by a person's character. It springs from both the mind and the heart.