Proverbs 6:17 (NKJV) — 17 A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood,

Pride, lying, and violence. Pride was the original sin of Lucifer. (See Isaiah 14:12-16; Ezekiel 28:11-19.) Pride is the root of all sin, for it exalts self above the will of God. Pride is the first step to shame (Proverbs 11:2). It is the cause of contention (Proverbs 13:10). It is the prelude to destruction (Proverbs 16:18). It is, in itself, sin (Proverbs 21:4).

Lying is also a sin. Satan is the father of lies (John 8:44). All liars will share a common destiny with him in the lake of fire (Revelation 21:8). Those who love and make lies will share the destiny of being barred from heaven (Revelation 22:15).

The third warning is against violence, particularly against hands that shed innocent blood. God abhors murder. In the Old Testament God gave instructions concerning capital punishment (Genesis 9:5-6) and commanded Israel to war against the enemies of God on many occasions, but these were people whom He had judged guilty of violating His law and fighting against His chosen nation and plan. The warning here is against shedding innocent blood.

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