SEVEN THINGS that GOD HATES

 

June 30 Bible Reading: Proverbs Chapters 4-6

SEVEN THINGS that GOD HATES

"These six things the Lord hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him: 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." (Prov. 6:16-19)

Solomon lists seven things that God hates – these sins are detested by God and are also hurtful in our dealings with other people. These things which God hates, we must hate them ourselves. The seven sins mentioned are committed by five of our body organs: one sin is committed by our eyes (a proud look), three sins are committed by our tongue (a lying tongue, a false witness who speaks lies, one who sows discord among brethren), one sin is committed by our hands (hands that shed innocent blood), one sin is committed by our heart (a heart that devises wicked plans), and one sin is committed by our feet (feet that are swift in running to evil).

In reality, all sins evolve from our heart. Our heart represents our will and evil is plotted in our hearts first before it goes into action by other body organs. God has declared that the human heart is capable of all evil (Genesis 6:5), so we must guard our heart very carefully. “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.” (Prov 4:23).

Our proud eyes refer to willful rebellion against all authority (Daniel 11:2) and goes before our destruction (Numbers 14:40-45).  Our hands should not shed innocent blood because people are made in the image of God and murder is breaking God’s commandment (Genesis 9:6). Our feet that are quick to rush to do evil refer to our involvement in unlawful activities. We should never rejoice about evil (1 Cor 13:6). A lying tongue is harmful (Prov 26:28) and we can never enter God’s kingdom if we lie (Rev 21:8). We should never lie and give false witness (Deut 19:16-19) nor gossip about others.

Among the seven things that God hates, pride tops the list! Pride happens when we overvalue ourselves and undervalue others, and that is revealed through our looks. This may even lead to devising evil and sowing discord. Let’s be careful to be humble always and guard our heart and tongue from doing wrongful things and displeasing God!

"Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for 'God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.' Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you." (1 Peter 5:5-7)