Proverbs 6:17
A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
Original Language Analysis
עֵינַ֣יִם
look
H5869
עֵינַ֣יִם
look
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
1 of 8
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
רָ֭מוֹת
A proud
H7311
רָ֭מוֹת
A proud
Strong's:
H7311
Word #:
2 of 8
to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)
לְשׁ֣וֹן
tongue
H3956
לְשׁ֣וֹן
tongue
Strong's:
H3956
Word #:
3 of 8
the tongue (of man or animals), used literally (as the instrument of licking, eating, or speech), and figuratively (speech, an ingot, a fork of flame,
וְ֝יָדַ֗יִם
and hands
H3027
וְ֝יָדַ֗יִם
and hands
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
5 of 8
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
שֹׁפְכ֥וֹת
that shed
H8210
שֹׁפְכ֥וֹת
that shed
Strong's:
H8210
Word #:
6 of 8
to spill forth (blood, a libation, liquid metal; or even a solid, i.e., to mound up); also (figuratively) to expend (life, soul, complaint, money, etc
Cross References
Proverbs 12:22Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight.Isaiah 1:15And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood.Psalms 101:5Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer.Psalms 5:6Thou shalt destroy them that speak leasing: the LORD will abhor the bloody and deceitful man.Isaiah 3:9The shew of their countenance doth witness against them; and they declare their sin as Sodom, they hide it not. Woe unto their soul! for they have rewarded evil unto themselves.Proverbs 21:4An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin.Deuteronomy 27:25Cursed be he that taketh reward to slay an innocent person. And all the people shall say, Amen.Isaiah 3:16Moreover the LORD saith, Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, and walk with stretched forth necks and wanton eyes, walking and mincing as they go, and making a tinkling with their feet:Psalms 18:27For thou wilt save the afflicted people; but wilt bring down high looks.Proverbs 26:28A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.
Historical Context
Part of numerical saying listing seven abominations (vv.16-19). Ancient culture read much from facial expressions and demeanor; haughty eyes communicated disdain and contempt.
Questions for Reflection
- How do your facial expressions and demeanor communicate either humility or pride?
- What internal attitudes produce the external 'look' you present to others?
Analysis & Commentary
Proud look - literally 'haughty eyes' - heads the list of seven abominations. Pride of the eyes represents internal arrogance manifested in contemptuous looks. That pride tops the list suggests it's the root sin from which others flow. The eyes reflecting heart attitude makes external demeanor reveal internal character. Humble eyes reflect humble heart; haughty eyes betray proud heart.