Hate What Jehovah Hates

Hatred for badness-what a deterrent that is from committing acts that damage our reputation!  Should we not then  cultivate an abhorrence for what is bad?  But exactly what should we hate?  Solomon states:  "There are many things that Jehovah hates, these are but a few:  yes, seven things are detestable to his soul: lofty eyes, a false tongue, and hands that are shedding innocent blood, a heart fabricating hurtful schemes, feet that are in a hurry to run to badness, a false witness  that launches forth lies, and anyone sending forth contentions among brothers." -Proverbs 6:16-19. (These are but a few) 

The seven categories that the proverb mentions are basic and cover virtually all types of wrongs.  "Lofty eyes" and "a heart fabricating hurtful schemes" are sins committed in thought.  "A false tongue" and "a false witness that launches forth lies" are sinful words.  "Hands that  are shedding innocent blood" and "feet that are in a hurry to run to badness" are wicked deed. And especially  hateful to Jehovah is the type of individual who takes  keen delight in kindling strife among people who otherwise  would dwell together peacefully. The increase  in the number from six to seven suggests that the list is not intended  to be complete, since humans every keep multiplying their evil deeds. 

Indeed, we need to develop a loathing for what God hates.  For instance, we must shun  "lofty eyes" or any other display of pride. And harmful gossip is certainly to be avoided, for it can easily cause  "contentions among brothers."  By spreading unkind hearsay,unjustifiable  criticism, or lies, we may not be  "shedding innocent blood," but we surely can destroy another person's reputation.  

"Do Not Desire Her Prettiness" 

From the Watchtower magazine, 2000