Thought for the Day

Verses 16-19 - God's hatred is directed against evil, beginning with a proud look. Haughtiness and arrogance have been the downfall of many. Pride causes one to overestimate oneself and underestimate others. Those who allow it to dominate their heart open the door to many other sins, causing major self-deception (Proverbs 16:18). Without a submissive heart, we cannot be guided by the Holy Spirit.

Next is a lying tongue. Recent surveys show that most Americans lie on a regular basis. Many lie because they either fear the consequences of the truth being known, or they are too proud to admit the truth. God highly values truthfulness. It may be difficult to admit our sins, but God is merciful to those who confess. Jesus' story of the Pharisee and the sinner (Luke 18:9-14) illustrates this.

God hates murder, but lists pride and lying as being ahead of it! Before someone commits murder, he yields to the sins of pride and lying. God hates the shedding of innocent blood, yet sees it shed every day. Not only are people shot down and killed, but innocent babies are murdered in the womb by abortion, mainly because of the selfishness of their parents.

Fourth, is a wicked imagination, giving birth to such evils as pornography. Our world is full of filthiness because of this. No wonder God hates it. Billions of dollars are spent on it each year, and it ruins millions of lives by embedding evil images in the minds of those who view it. Only God can free people from the bondage of pornography.

Fifth, is being quick to do mischief. While God is merciful to those who attempt to resist evil but fall into it, He hates the practice of those who throw restraint to the wind. The image here implies enjoyment and adeptness in wrongdoing, and alertness to take every opportunity to do evil.

Sixth, is bearing false witness. Lying about what one has witnessed is a serious sin before God and a crime in the eyes of man. Gossip is a second cousin to this sin. Stories are repeated not on the basis of truth, but simply because they speak evil about someone.

Last on God's list is a sin often committed in the church; that of sowing discord among the brethren. We are to love one another. God hates it when we fail to practice love as He commanded. Notice that He hates the first six sins, but that all seven are an abomination to Him. An abomination is something God abhors with extreme disgust. Let us not be guilty of doing anything that He detests. Let us cry out for deliverance, if we are guilty of any of these sins. God loves us and will free us if we come to Him with an honest heart.