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Article Archive |
2007
Six Things the LORD Hates
by Jim Morris
“There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers” (Proverbs 6:16-19).
God does not pull any punches in the Old Testament about His opposition to evil. Evil violates human decency, community and the basis of life that God has always intended for His creation. The God of the Old Testament is the very same God of the New Testament. He has not changed nor has He changed His mind concerning His abhorrence of evil. God also calls His children to share His own attitude toward the evils that are detestable to Him.
First, the LORD hates “haughty eyes.” A proud look, or haughty eyes, reveal the arrogant heart and mind behind them. Such human pride has destroyed individuals and entire civilizations.
Second, a “lying tongue” is detestable to Him. God demands that we are “truth tellers” at all times. Strategic lies have no place in the lives of God's kids. Those who lie, speak the language of their father, Satan (John 8:44).
Third, God hates “hands that shed innocent blood.” In simple terms, the shedding of innocent blood is murder. For example, the terrorists who flew airliners into the Twin Towers in New York City on 9/11 shed the innocent blood of around 3,000 souls.
Fourth, a “heart that devises wicked schemes” is an abhorrence to Him. The humble truth-tellers seek God's will and peace. The arrogant, lying murderers seek their own will no matter who gets hurt. They work out their schemes to benefit only themselves.
Fifth, the LORD hates “feet that are quick to rush into evil.” Some folks just can't wait to spread rumors, tell lies, and destroy the lives of other folks. They rush into evil but do not realize that they themselves are trapped.
Sixth, a “false witness who pours out lies” is an abomination to God. Liars use words to manipulate certain outcomes. They are subjective and relativistic thinkers who champion the bad idea that “the end justifies the means.”
Seventh, God hates “a man who stirs up dissension among brothers.” The original troublemaker is Satan. He uses all of these evils to destroy humanity. Satan's children imitate his words and deeds. They become his puppets who stir up dissension among brothers.
What will happen to such people who practice the things the LORD hates? The wise man says, “A scoundrel and villain, who goes about with a corrupt mouth, who winks with his eye, signals with his feet and motions with his fingers, who plots evil with deceit in his heart—he always stirs up dissension. Therefore disaster will overtake him in an instant; he will suddenly be destroyed—without remedy” (Proverbs 12-15).
10-31-07
# 44
