Pastor Bell's Words To Live By

There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him:

Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that hurry to run to evil, a lying witness that testifies falsely, and one who sow discord in a family (Proverbs 6:16-19 NRSV).

When the wisdom writer lists the things that God hates what exactly does he mean? Does he mean that God harbours hate in his heart towards those who violate one of the above or is he trying to get us to learn about righteous indignation?

From myriad of scripture we know that God is a loving, merciful and forgiving God. We also know that he is a righteous and just God, therefore he expects his followers to say the right things so that we can act in the right way without the fear of any recrimination. So what is this sage saying?

The first thing he insists on is that God is far from the proud. Those who are haughty are proud and loud and can achieve everything themselves, therefore they do not need God. Secondly, those who distort the truth irk God since they try to convince others that there is another way to the father other than through Jesus who is truth and life. Believing a lie causes people to do wicked things. Today, as we remember those who perished or were maimed in the tube bombings in London, we can only reflect and ask the question why? What was that all about? What was the point of killing innocent people?

Lastly, our mentor tells us that God hates those who sow discord in the family. These are people who want to belong to the family and have all the characteristics of the family, but out of stubbornness, past hurts and lack of understanding, causes chaos by using their charm and things they can do to achieve goals rather than allowing the Holy Spirit to work in them.

For today, guard your heart and mitigate against the pride of live. In essence, humble yourself and God will exalt you in due course.

Read Proverbs 6