The Bible verse Proverbs 6:17 from the King James Version (KJV) states, "A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood." This verse is part of a passage that discusses the things that the Lord hates, and it provides insight into the characteristics and behaviors that are contrary to God's will.

The verse lists three specific actions or attitudes that are detestable to the Lord: a proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood. Each of these elements represents a different aspect of sinful behavior and serves as a warning to those who would engage in such actions.

The first part of the verse, "a proud look," speaks to the sin of pride. Pride is one of the deadliest sins and is often considered the root of all other sins. It is an attitude of self-exaltation and arrogance that places oneself above others and often leads to a disregard for God and His will. In the Bible, pride is frequently condemned, and the consequences of pride are seen throughout scripture, from the fall of Lucifer to the downfall of kings and nations. The verse emphasizes that a proud look is detestable to the Lord and warns against the dangers of prideful behavior.

The second part of the verse, "a lying tongue," addresses the sin of deceit and dishonesty. Lying is fundamentally opposed to the nature of God, who is the epitome of truth. Throughout the Bible, lying is condemned, and truthfulness is upheld as a virtue. Proverbs 12:22 affirms this by stating, "Lying lips are abomination to the Lord: but they that deal truly are his delight." A lying tongue not only harms others but also leads the liar away from God's truth and righteousness.

The last part of the verse, "hands that shed innocent blood," condemns the ultimate act of violence and injustice. It speaks to the sin of murder and the shedding of innocent blood, which goes against God's commandment and His value for human life. This prohibition against killing is found throughout the Bible, from the Old Testament law to Jesus' teachings in the New Testament. The shedding of innocent blood is particularly heinous and is often associated with great guilt and judgment.

In addition to its literal meaning, Proverbs 6:17 also carries symbolic and metaphorical significance. The "proud look" can represent not only overt arrogance but also the more subtle sins of self-centeredness and self-reliance. The "lying tongue" can symbolize any form of deceit and dishonesty, including the spreading of false information or the withholding of truth. Finally, "hands that shed innocent blood" can extend beyond physical violence to include any action that harms the innocent and vulnerable, whether through oppression, neglect, or exploitation.

The context of Proverbs 6:17 is important for understanding its significance within the broader message of the passage. The verse is part of a list of things that are an abomination to the Lord, including a proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, a false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren. These verses offer a comprehensive view of the attitudes and behaviors that are contrary to God's will and serve as a moral compass for righteous living.

Overall, Proverbs 6:17 provides a powerful admonition against pride, deceit, and violence, highlighting the importance of humility, truthfulness, and justice in the eyes of God. It warns against the destructive nature of these sins and calls for repentance and righteousness. As believers, we are called to embody the virtues of humility, truth, and compassion, and to stand against the attitudes and actions that are detestable to the Lord. This verse serves as a timeless reminder of the standards of behavior that are pleasing to God and represents a call to live with integrity and righteousness in our thoughts, words, and deeds.