Like most of Proverbs, this proverb has literal and symbolic meaning, and it covers basic morality for individuals and a community. The sins listed are directed toward God and other people. Of course, if we are walking with God, we’ll love Him and our neighbors, and none of these sins would be committed or even considered. Unfortunately, we live in a fallen sinful world, and we don’t always perfectly love God or our neighbors. Scriptures like these are worth meditating over on a regular basis, to help condition us against sin by learning God’s Word.
Haughty eyes are literally proud or arrogant eyes, and this refers to pride. A lying tongue is all lying, small lies and big lies. Hands that shed innocent blood is murder, plain and simple, and it is always wrong. A heart that devises wicked plans is a wicked heart, or what the Hebrews considered the combination of your will, thoughts, and emotions. Feet that make haste to run to evil means you quickly and intentionally do wrong. A false witness who breathes out lies is a person who is known for their reputation to use dishonest speech. In other words, they are a chronic liar who naturally lie as naturally as they breathe. One who sows discord among brothers is a troublemaker, who only causes trouble through his or her actions, words, and attitude. There are many ways to constantly sow discord among brothers, and sisters in church.
Obviously, you as a Christian should and can avoid these sins. We can refrain from outward snobbishness or stubbornness, but can we be free of internal pride? We may avoid outright lies, but do we always think of ways to twist, manipulate, or omit the truth? We need to examine our hearts, our motivations, and our actions. There are always things we need to change, even if we don’t realize it or don’t want to face it.
Today, realize that you can’t fix these on your own! You need supernatural help! You need the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ! Alone you are incapable of righting these wrongs, but with His loving assistance, all things are possible, even the forgiveness and repentance of sin. Trust Jesus to help you walk a walk worthy of your calling today!
Today's Devotional was contributed by: Mr. Stephen Nobles.
Pastoral Ministry Intern at Ephesus Baptist Church of Spring Hope, NC
(If you are associated with Ephesus Baptist Church and would like to contribute a devotional to our blog, then send us a devotional of 350 words or less to pastor.ephesusnc@gmail.com)
Read more of our devotions and other articles at our Pastor's Blog!
Seven Things God Hates!
Seven Things God Hates!
Proverbs 6:16-19
16 There are six things that the Lord hates,
seven that are an abomination to him:
17 haughty eyes, a lying tongue,
and hands that shed innocent blood,
18 a heart that devises wicked plans,
feet that make haste to run to evil,
19 a false witness who breathes out lies,
and one who sows discord among brothers.1
Like most of Proverbs, this proverb has literal and symbolic meaning, and it covers basic morality for individuals and a community. The sins listed are directed toward God and other people. Of course, if we are walking with God, we’ll love Him and our neighbors, and none of these sins would be committed or even considered. Unfortunately, we live in a fallen sinful world, and we don’t always perfectly love God or our neighbors. Scriptures like these are worth meditating over on a regular basis, to help condition us against sin by learning God’s Word.
Haughty eyes are literally proud or arrogant eyes, and this refers to pride. A lying tongue is all lying, small lies and big lies. Hands that shed innocent blood is murder, plain and simple, and it is always wrong. A heart that devises wicked plans is a wicked heart, or what the Hebrews considered the combination of your will, thoughts, and emotions. Feet that make haste to run to evil means you quickly and intentionally do wrong. A false witness who breathes out lies is a person who is known for their reputation to use dishonest speech. In other words, they are a chronic liar who naturally lie as naturally as they breathe. One who sows discord among brothers is a troublemaker, who only causes trouble through his or her actions, words, and attitude. There are many ways to constantly sow discord among brothers, and sisters in church.
Obviously, you as a Christian should and can avoid these sins. We can refrain from outward snobbishness or stubbornness, but can we be free of internal pride? We may avoid outright lies, but do we always think of ways to twist, manipulate, or omit the truth? We need to examine our hearts, our motivations, and our actions. There are always things we need to change, even if we don’t realize it or don’t want to face it.
Today, realize that you can’t fix these on your own! You need supernatural help! You need the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ! Alone you are incapable of righting these wrongs, but with His loving assistance, all things are possible, even the forgiveness and repentance of sin. Trust Jesus to help you walk a walk worthy of your calling today!
Today's Devotional was contributed by: Mr. Stephen Nobles.
Pastoral Ministry Intern at Ephesus Baptist Church of Spring Hope, NC
(If you are associated with Ephesus Baptist Church and would like to contribute a devotional to our blog, then send us a devotional of 350 words or less to pastor.ephesusnc@gmail.com)
Read more of our devotions and other articles at our Pastor's Blog!
If you would like to be added to our email list, contact us at office.ephesusnc@gmail.com.
1 The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Pr 6:16–19.