A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,

PROVERBS 6:17KJV
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Proverbs 6:17 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 6:17 mean?

Proverbs 6:17 lists three things that God hates: a proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood. Each phrase points to a specific kind of wrongdoing—arrogance, dishonesty, and violence against those who have done no wrong.

In Proverbs, these warnings come from a father teaching his son about the kinds of behavior that are deeply offensive to God. The verse is part of a longer list describing actions that disrupt community and trust. The focus is on attitudes and actions that harm others and break down relationships.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 6:17

  • "Proud" (רָם, rām, H7311) describes someone who lifts themselves up above others, often with arrogance or self-importance. This word highlights the attitude behind the "proud look"—not just outward appearance but an inner sense of superiority.
  • "Look" (עַיִן, ʿayin, H5869) literally means "eye," so "a proud look" is more like "haughty eyes," suggesting a way of seeing others with contempt.
  • "Lying" (שֶׁקֶר, sheqer, H8267) means falsehood or deception. This word covers all forms of dishonesty, not just spoken lies.
  • "Tongue" (לָשׁוֹן, lashon, H3956) is the organ of speech, so "a lying tongue" points to someone who uses words to deceive.
  • "Hands" (יָד, yad, H3027) is a common word for the physical hand, but here it stands for actions—specifically violent ones.
  • "Shed" (שָׁפַךְ, shafakh, H8210) means to pour out or spill, often used for bloodshed.
  • "Innocent" (נָקִי, naqiy, H5355) means someone free from guilt or wrongdoing.
  • "Blood" (דָּם, dam, H1818) is literal blood, but in this context, it means taking a life unjustly.

Why Proverbs 6:17 matters

  • This verse makes clear that God’s concern is not just with outward actions but with the attitudes and motives behind them, such as pride and deceit.
  • By naming "innocent blood," Proverbs 6:17 emphasizes that violence against those who have done no wrong is especially serious in God’s eyes.
  • The verse is part of a list (verses 16–19) showing the kinds of behavior that destroy trust and community, helping the reader see the bigger picture of what God values and what He opposes.

Where else these words appear

“innocent” Hebrew H5355 · used in 42 verses

  • Genesis 24:41 Then shalt thou be clear from this my oath, when thou comest to my kindred; and if they give not thee one, thou shalt be clear from my oath.
  • Joshua 2:20 And if thou utter this our business, then we will be quit of thine oath which thou hast made us to swear.
  • Psalms 15:5 He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved.

“lying” Hebrew H8267 · used in 109 verses

  • Exodus 5:9 Let there more work be laid upon the men, that they may labour therein; and let them not regard vain words.
  • Psalms 144:8 Whose mouth speaketh vanity, and their right hand is a right hand of falsehood.
  • Jeremiah 8:8 How do ye say, We are wise, and the law of the LORD is with us? Lo, certainly in vain made he it; the pen of the scribes is in vain.

“shed” Hebrew H8210 · used in 111 verses

  • Genesis 9:6 Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.
  • Job 30:16 And now my soul is poured out upon me; the days of affliction have taken hold upon me.
  • Ezekiel 16:36 Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thy filthiness was poured out, and thy nakedness discovered through thy whoredoms with thy lovers, and with all the idols of thy abominations, and by the blood of thy children, which thou didst give unto them;

“tongue” Hebrew H3956 · used in 115 verses

  • Genesis 10:5 By these were the isles of the Gentiles divided in their lands; every one after his tongue, after their families, in their nations.
  • Psalms 39:3 My heart was hot within me, while I was musing the fire burned: then spake I with my tongue,
  • Proverbs 25:23 The north wind driveth away rain: so doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue.