A few weeks ago, my pastor incorporated Proverbs 6: 16 – 19 in his message.

            “There are six things that the Lord hates, 

seven that are an abomination to him: 

            haughty eyes, a lying tongue, 

and hands that shed innocent blood, 

            a heart that devises wicked plans, 

feet that make haste to run to evil, 

            a false witness who breathes out lies, 

and one who sows discord among brothers.”

I can’t count the number of times I’ve read this passage and studied the words and thoughts, but for some reason the first thing listed jumped out to me—haughty eyes. The pastor explained this as eyes that look down on someone else, a way of elevating yourself.

Websters definition of haughty is: “having or showing an attitude of superiority and contempt for people or things perceived to be inferior.”

At first, I discounted the thought the I might be guilty of doing something God hates. I don’t feel contempt for people or superior to them. I don’t see others as being inferior. Or do I.

Since that Sunday, I’ve found that phrase creeping into my thoughts at the oddest times, reminding me of what I’m doing wrong. I believe this is something we all struggle with, sometimes without realizing what we are doing.

So how are we guilty of the very thing God hates? By looking down on others. While this is an uncomfortable thought, we all do it. In fact, I’ve come to realize the haughtiness of our attitude is so ingrained in us we react automatically and without thought.

Have you ever rolled your eyes—physically or mentally—at someone for something they’ve said or done? Have you ever had a negative thought about someone’s dress or size or gender choice? Have you ever thought about your perfect church attendance or the fact you attend Bible study more than someone else? Or even the fact that you read your Bible daily when others don’t?

All of those involve having haughty eyes. In most cases we don’t mean to look down on others or to elevate ourselves, but just having those thoughts puts us in danger of embracing something God hates. 

I don’t know about you but I’ve found I have these thoughts pop in my head at the inopportune times. Out of the blue, I will be struck by a judgmental thought toward someone. Maybe it’s a homeless person or someone who is too loud or someone who annoys me for whatever reason. I can’t seem to stop those thoughts from coming.

So what do we do? We don’t want to continue to offend God. We don’t want to offend others. We don’t want to look down on people. But how do we change?

First, confess this as a sin before God. We must be sincere in our hearts that we want to change—to be more like Christ in our attitude toward others.

Second, ask God’s help to change. God is faithful to help us when we ask. The change may not happen overnight, but as time goes on and we are more aware of our attitude toward others, asking God’s help will bring change to our hearts. Our outlook will change.

Third, consider discussing this with a godly friend. It helps to have someone come alongside and encourage us as we walk through a time of change.

I do love messages that give me food for thought even when it makes me uncomfortable. I don’t want to have haughty eyes or to displease God. Instead, I leave you with these verses from Psalm 139. They are a prayer to me.

“Search me, O God, and know my heart! 

Try me and know my thoughts! 

And see if there be any grievous way in me, 

and lead me in the way everlasting.” Psalm 139: 23-24