“There are six things the Lord hates, no, seven things he detests: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that kill the innocent, a heart that plots evil, feet that race to do wrong, a false witness who pours out lies, a person who sows discord in a family” (Proverbs 6:16-19, NLT).
When I was growing up, a popular phrase went something like this: “Sticks and stones can break my bones, but words will never harm me.” Most children and adults alike understand the meaning behind this childish saying, and that what is not said aloud is the true meaning, which is I don’t care what you think or say about me! Of course, we have all probably been on the receiving end of someone’s hurtful words, and though no bones were broken in the process, hearts were broken and spirits crushed.
For those of us who follow Jesus Christ, we should try hard to watch what we say and uplift those around us rather than tear them down with our very powerful words; however, this requires self-governing, not government governing. But I digress…
As with many catch words, or phrases, “hate speech” seems to echo throughout the modern culture. A recent newsletter article heading reads: “We Protect Kids, So Now We’re a Hate Group” (The Clarion Caller, 2024). Without getting into the gist of the article, please consider what the Bible tells us about God. Proverbs 6 acknowledges that, “God hates…” What does He hate? “Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that kill the innocent, a heart that plots evil, feet that race to do wrong, a false witness who pours out lies, [and] a person who sows discord in a family.” Would that the human standard for “hate speech” were set so high.
Friend, let us seek to look above our delicate carnal human nature to learn how to hate what God hates. As we read and perhaps re-read the list in Proverbs 6, about what God hates, may it guide you and me toward biblical truth, rather than being influenced by a culture that has highjacked God’s “Dictionary.”
For deeper understanding, please read, John 3.
Cushman, Candi. The Clarion Caller. Patrick Henry Advisory Council Newsletter. The Family Foundation, Volume 5, Issue 2, 2024.