February 1: “The Seven Things God Hates”

5 Minute Read

TODAY’S BIBLE READING:

Exodus 13:17–15:18
Matthew 21:23-46
Psalm 26:1-12
Proverbs 6:16-19

TODAY’S BIBLE VERSE(S):

Proverbs 6:16-19 (CSB) “The LORD hates six things; in fact, seven are detestable to him: arrogant eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that plots wicked schemes, feet eager to run to evil, a lying witness who gives false testimony, and one who stirs up trouble among brothers.”

REFLECTIONS ON TODAY’S BIBLE VERSE(S):

I love lists. They are often simple and to the point.

As we read through our Proverbs reading this morning, we quickly realize that we are given a list of 7 things the Lord hates. “Hate” and “detestable” are strong words so we would do well to familiarize ourselves with this list and avoid these things at all cost.

So, let’s take a quick look at the seven things God despises:

“arrogant eyes”

The Lord despises pride.

It could quite possible be considered the soil out of which all other sin grows. Pride is an inflated view of oneself that causes someone to look down on others … and even to disregard God’s clear commands. Pride is the ultimate “anti-God” sin.

It is no wonder that God hates proud eyes.

“a lying tongue”

The Lord despises lying.

Jesus once said that He is “the way, the TRUTH, and the life” (John 14:6). To the contrary, when Jesus was once speaking of Satan, He said: “When he tells a lie, he speaks from his own nature, because he is a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44). So, when we speak truth, we bear a striking resemblance to Jesus. When we lie, we bear a striking resemblance to Satan.

It is no wonder that God despises lying.

“hands that shed innocent blood”

The Lord despises injustice.

While life often does not seem to play fair, Christians realize that our holy God will one day “judge the world in righteousness” (Acts 17:31). All wrongs will be punished and all good will be rewarded. God loves justice!

It is no wonder that God despises injustice.

“a heart that plots wicked schemes”

The Lord despises wicked hearts.

Our God created all things good – just read Genesis 1-2. But “Satan, sin, and self” corrupted God’s Creation in Genesis 3. Now, the human heart is capable of plotting utterly wicked acts like murder, revenge, character-assassination, stealing, lying, adultery, and so much more. All of this and more simply works to further destroy what God created to be good.

It is no wonder that God despises hearts that plot wicked schemes.

“feet eager to run to evil”

God despises those who are eager to do what He has forbidden.

Our holy God is also a good, kind, and gracious God. He has given us His commands for our good. He knows how we work best and so He has given us commands to help us to “be complete, equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17). So, when someone brushes off God’s Word and does what He forbids, it only works to further erode God’s good plans for us.

It is no wonder that God despises feet that are excited about running to what is evil.

“a lying witness who gives false testimony”

It is extremely noteworthy that this is the second time the word “lying” has appeared on this list. Clearly, God despises the person who lies and doesn’t speak the truth.

“one who stirs up trouble among brothers”

God despises people who create disunity.

Our God has existed in perfect union within the Trinity for eternity. If you listen to Jesus’ prayer in Matthew 17, you will hear Him praying that God would enable His followers to experience that same kind of unity. “May they all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us, so that the world may believe you sent me” (John 17:21). The person who creates disunity is directly working against Jesus’ prayer.

It is no wonder that God despises the person who creates disunity.

Conclusion

Friend, following Jesus includes doing what God commands and abstaining from what God forbids. Clearly, we have been given a list of the things that God forbids in our Verses for Today. Stay away from these things. If you do them, confess it to the Lord and determine never to do it again. Receive His forgiveness and get back on the road to holiness.