Daily Devotional for Friday, September 12
Seven Abominations
“These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him,” Proverbs 6:16.
In our key verses, we find a sobering list of seven things that God abhors, referred to as abominations. These vices are severe warnings against behaviors that disrupt community and dishonor God.
The first two abominations, “a proud look” and “a lying tongue,” deal with attitudes of the heart and speech. Pride elevates oneself above others and above God, leading to a fall (Proverbs 16:18). It creates barriers to humility and repentance, which are essential for a relationship with God. Deception, symbolized by a lying tongue, undermines trust and integrity. God desires truth in our inmost being (Psalm 51:6), and lying is fundamentally opposed to His nature.
The next abominations involved harmful actions: “hands that shed innocent blood” and “a heart that devises wicked imaginations.” These reflect a blatant disregard for the sanctity of life and moral integrity. God values justice and righteousness, and these actions are direct affronts to His character. Our hearts should be filled with compassion and purity, not plotting harm or injustice.
“Feet that be swift in running to mischief” and “a false witness that speaketh lies” depict a propensity for trouble and spreading falsehoods. Quickness to engage in wrongdoing and bearing false witness damage relationships and erode communal trust. Our feet should be fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace (Ephesians 6:15), leading us to pursue peace and truth.
Finally, “he that soweth discord among brethren” targets those who disrupt unity. God values harmony among His people, and sowing discord directly opposes this. Jesus prayed for unity among believers (John 17:21), emphasizing its importance.
REMINDER
As followers of Christ, we are called to cultivate humility, truthfulness, justice, purity, peace and unity in our lives, reflecting the character of God and His love for all people.
Steven Ridings