7 Things Detestable to The Lord

One of my goals with this blog is to challenge myself and my readers with taking the bible to the next level. Many times we read the word and think, “That doesn’t apply to me.” For instance, Proverbs 6:16-19. When I read this over today, I thought to myself, “Wow, I’m doing a pretty good job at avoiding these things! I’m not proud, a liar or a murderer. I don’t devise schemes or chase after evil. I never falsely give witness or stir up conflict!” …Say, let’s read that again.

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 person who stirs up conflict in the community. (Proverbs 6:16-19 NIV)

Haughty eyes refers to someone who not only is proud at heart, but someone who see themselves above others. I remember about a year ago God corrected me in a similar area. I began to hate the way I talked to those who I lead in ministry or even those who were “unsaved.” It was almost like I spoke to them like children, and I realized it was because I was proud of where I had come, but God had to bring me to a place where I could recognize – I once was exactly where they stand.

So I think lying tongue and shedding innocent blood are pretty self explanatory, but what about devising evil schemes? EVIL is such a strong word, but really, it’s everywhere. Have you ever ignored someone or treated someone in a specific way to “Get Back” at them for hurting you? These can be small things that take no effort at all, but in our hearts we are hoping that the other will be hurt. We’ve all been there but when you spell it out, that’s pretty evil!

Feet that are quick to rush into evil? One area this gets me in all the time is the type of shows/movies I watch. When I begin something it seems fine, but a little into it something will come up like a lot of swearing, or someone cheating is portrayed in a tolerated way. What do you decide to do when this happens? Do you continue to watch, or change the channel? Just because we’re not doing it doesn’t mean it’s not affecting us.

Being a false witness is pretty evident although what does it mean to stir up conflict. Basically ask yourself “Am I getting involved in Drama?” You don’t even have to be the one to start it, if someone begins bringing the drama to you, don’t stir the pot. Even you not saying anything allows them to continue to stir. Instead, remind them not to dwell on things, and to set their sights on things above. And quickly change the conversation.

These are just a couple examples of how God allowed me to examine my heart through this verse. Take some time yourself and ask God, “how can I work on pleasing you in these areas?“