Bill Fitzhenry's Thoughts For Today…

“This Book of Proverbs is so called, because it consists of wise and weighty sentences: regulating the morals of men: and directing them to wisdom and virtue. And these sentences are also called PARABLES, because great truths are often couched in them under certain figures and similitudes.” quote

Reading through the 31 chapters of Proverbs monthly can give us an understanding of how to serve God.

Proverbs 6:16-19

¹⁶ These six things the LORD hates,
Yes, seven are an abomination to Him:
¹⁷ A proud look,
A lying tongue,
Hands that shed innocent blood,
¹⁸ A heart that devises wicked plans,
Feet that are swift in running to evil,
¹⁹ A false witness who speaks lies,
And one who sows discord among brethren.

The Knowledge of God is declared clearly only in the Scriptures. Any understanding of God other that that revealed in His Word is idolatry. In this context, verses 16-19, a primary truth about the person of God is stated. There are some things God hates. The hatred of God here is at the least His determination not to bless, but to bring into judgment all that offends Him,

In this instance the writer names particular actions which, considered in the ones doing them, are offensive to God. The lesson that leaps out at us is the Law of God as the accuser of those identified.

There are four lessons in this descriptive warning.

1. God’s judgment extends as well to the motive as to the deed. Vss17a and 18.

2. Lying is twice mentioned and is doubly certain of judgment. Vss 17b and 19a.

3. Seven accusations are stated and three and a half are sins of the tongue. Vss 17b, 19a, 19b, and 18a will have to include the communication of the plan.

4. The intentional destroyer of good relationships bears a special disapproval and will warrant certain judgment. Vss 19b cf I Cor. 3:16-17

¹⁶ Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?

¹⁷If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are