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 (NLT): “There are six things the Lord hates — no, seven things he detests:”
Reflections on Today’s Bible Verse(s):
If God came up with a list of seven things that he absolutely loathed, would you be interested in looking at that list? I certainly would! I’d want to be sure that I avoided anything on the dreaded list.
Well, fortunately, such a list exists! It’s found in our Bible reading today.
Proverbs 6:16-19 “There are six things the LORD hates – no, seven things he detests: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that kill the innocent, a heart that plots evil, feet that race to do wrong, a false witness who pours out lies, a person who sows discord in a family.”
As we read this list, we are surprised by some of the things on the list. We might also be surprised at some of the things that were omitted. Some things will put the ‘scarlet letter’ on your chest within the Christian community – and they aren’t on this list. That is certainly worth pondering.
So, let’s quickly break this list down to see what we need to particularly avoid:
“haughty eyes,”
This is the look that someone gives who is saturated with pride. Maybe the face is aimed slightly upward so that the person looks down their nose at you. Perhaps your nose is the one in the way. God hates this kind of look.
Someone who follows Jesus realizes that pride is a problem at the root of all sin. We all struggle with it. But we must cooperate with the Lord who desires to kill it in our hearts. Further, we are striving for humility (Philippians 2:1-8)
“a lying tongue,”
This one is easily understood. It occurs when someone refuses to speak the truth. That person is a liar.
Someone who follows Jesus speaks the truth because the Bible is truth (John 17:17), and Jesus is truth (John 14:6).
“hands that kill the innocent,”
This refers to someone who literally takes someone’s life or, as Jesus pointed out, it can refer to someone who is simply angry at another person (Matthew 5:21-22).
Someone who follows Jesus will strive to love everyone they encounter. This includes fellow Christians (John 13:35), anyone in need (Luke 10:25-37), and those who intentionally make our life miserable (Matthew 5:44-47).
“a heart that plots evil,”
This refers to someone whose heart is wicked. This person isn’t merely engaged in sin – it is often premeditated. They spend time thinking about and preparing for how they will break God’s moral code. We tend to believe that “evil” is the category of worse sins than what we engage in. Yet, “evil” can be used for things that are simply opposed to God and His law.
Someone who follows Jesus realizes that our God doesn’t merely look at what we do – He looks at the heart behind what we do (1 Samuel 16:7). Further, we realize that our actions are simply an outflow of our heart’s condition (Luke 6:45). So we seek to join God in working to purge our hearts of sin and fan into flame our desire for holiness (Philippians 2:12-13).
“feet that race to do wrong,”
This refers to someone who isn’t content with planning to do wrong – they want to do it right now! There is very little if any constraint as a sin pattern becomes their “god.” They cannot and will not say “no” to what is wrong.
Someone who follows Jesus is regularly saying “no” to sin. Instead of running to sin, they partner with God to kill sin in their minds and hearts (Romans 8:13).
“a false witness who pours out lies,”
This refers to someone who isn’t merely a liar, as bad as that is. They willfully withhold the truth, knowing that their words are harming someone innocent of the alleged wrongdoing. This action speaks obviously to the cold-hearted condition of the liar’s soul.
Someone who follows Jesus speaks the truth and is generous with their words of encouragement and affirmation for others (1 Thessalonians 5:11).
“a person who sows discord in a family.”
This refers to someone who causes trouble in a family or a family of friends. One way this typically happens is gossip.
“Did you hear what they said?”
“Can you believe what they did?”
“Now, this is just between the two of us. Don’t tell anyone else.”
Someone who follows Jesus doesn’t stir up trouble. While there may be times that information is shared behind closed doors, it is never to tear someone down. A sincere Jesus-follower desires that people get along and experience peace (Romans 12:18).
This is not peace at all costs. Sometimes, continued sinful activity or theological heresy creates divides that cannot be bridged. They must be addressed. But, these occasions should be the exception and not the rule.
__________
So, there you have it – The Dirty 7. These are the things that the Lord despises. Let’s be extra careful to avoid the actions on this list. If we commit them, let’s quickly repent and get back on the road to holiness.
Matt’s Musings 