Proverbs 6:16-19 (NIV):
“There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.”
Context: This passage lists specific behaviors God finds abominable, emphasizing pride, deceit, violence, and division.
Psalm 5:4-5 (NIV):
“For you are not a God who is pleased with wickedness; with you, evil people are not welcome. The arrogant cannot stand in your presence. You hate all who do wrong.”
Context: This psalm highlights God’s rejection of wickedness and those who persist in evil, though some interpret “hate” here as opposition to sin rather than personal hatred.
Psalm 11:5 (NIV):
“The Lord examines the righteous, but the wicked, those who love violence, he hates with a passion.”
Context: God’s intense disapproval is directed at those who embrace violence and wickedness.
Malachi 2:16 (NIV, older translations):
“‘The man who hates and divorces his wife,’ says the Lord, the God of Israel, ‘does violence to the one he should protect,’ says the Lord Almighty. So be on your guard, and do not be unfaithful.”
Context: Some translations render this as God saying, “I hate divorce,” emphasizing His disapproval of breaking the marriage covenant. Modern translations vary, focusing on the act of unfaithfulness.
Isaiah 61:8 (NIV):
“For I, the Lord, love justice; I hate robbery and wrongdoing. In my faithfulness, I will reward my people and make an everlasting covenant with them.”
Context: God expresses His opposition to injustice and immoral actions, contrasting them with His love for justice.
Amos 5:21 (NIV):
“I hate, I despise your religious festivals; your assemblies are a stench to me.”
Context: God rejects hypocritical worship from those who practice injustice while maintaining outward religious rituals.
Some may ask how an all-loving God can hate. Easy, your mother and father love you, but they would destroy anyone who tries to harm you, and they would be justified morally.