Proverbs 6:16-19 – The Sin of Pride and Some Others

BIBLE TEXT

Proverbs 6:16-19

SUMMARY

The sin of pride is at the top of God’s list.

ANALYSIS

Continuing in a consideration of sin and sins, the writer now lists seven sins that are especially hateful to God. At the top of the list is the sin of pride, frequently mentioned in the Bible as a sin, from the garden of Eden where the temptation is to “be like God” (Genesis 3:5) through the tower of Babel story (Genesis 11:1-9) through the prophets (note Isaiah 2:11-22). The early and medieval church considered pride, here described as “haughty eyes,” as one of the “seven deadly sins” (lust, gluttony, greed, sloth, wrath, envy, pride). The idea is that when one’s eyes are lifted up, one “looks down one’s nose” at all others.