Scripture Passage: “These six things does the Lord hate: yes, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that devises wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaks lies, and he that sows discord among brothers.”  Proverbs 6: 16-19

 

Dear Friends,

 

     Number four is a heart that devises wicked imaginations.  In the innocence of childhood our imaginations are filled with kindness and wonderment.  We often devise plans for good things that ultimately help others.  Through the process of aging and dealing with the consequences of sin by us, or against us, we begin to devise plans to hurt others or get even.  Most times these imaginations benefit us in some way and have the sinister effect of evil against others.  This is an evil use of our God given gift of imagination.  Jesus described wicked imaginations perfectly in Mark 7: 20-23.  “That which comes out of the man,  that defiles the man.  For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, and evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these things come from within, and defile the man.”

 

     Number five are those who have feet that are swift in running to mischief.  They not only devise evil plans, but they cannot wait to carry them out.  They enjoy the process as much as the final result.  Instead of using our feet to lead people to Christ, we use them to carry out personal involvement in sin.  The same feet that are slow to spread the Gospel are quick to meddle in other people’s business, tempt others to sin or lead them down a path to break God’s laws.

 

     Number six is a false witness who speaks lies.  To do so in a court of law in the United States makes the person guilty of perjury and is punishable by jail time and fines.  Whereas verse seventeen deals more with everyday conversation, verse nineteen is a matter of public testimony in a court of law.  The court system holds you accountable for bearing false witness under oath, God holds you accountable for any lie you tell anywhere, anytime, for any reason.  “Whether it’s a statement from a government official, a clause in a contract, a deposition in court, or a promise at the marriage altar, truth cannot be violated without society ultimately suffering.”  Warren Wiersbe Finally the culmination of all the other sins is found in those who sow discord among the brothers. There is nothing quite as bothersome as a troublemaker in the family.  God created families to love, nurture and take care of each other.  The troublemaker causes these natural affections to be deserted for the ungodly passions of jealousy, hatred and revenge.  When that takes place it is only a short period of time until the family becomes divided and the familial unity destroyed.  Since a church is a family of believers the same is true when discord takes place in the fellowship.  It also goes contrary to the spiritual unity that Jesus prayed for in His High Priestly prayer in John 17:21.  John said that we know we have passed from death unto life, because we love our brothers. (I John 3:14)  If we are sowing seeds of discord there is a problem in our love relationship with the Lord as well as others.  If God hates these seven things, let us hate them also.

 

In Christ,

Pastor Johnny