Morning Devotional
July 15, 2005
"Things God Hates" (Part 4)    
    by Don Emmitte

There are six things the LORD hates--no, seven things he detests: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that kill the innocent, a heart that plots evil, feet that race to do wrong, a false witness who pours out lies, a person who sows discord among brothers. (Proverbs 6:16-19 NLT).

 

In Proverbs 6:16-19, Solomon, by inspiration, teaches us that there are six things the Lord hates, and there is a seventh item which is an abomination to Him. In previous articles we discussed how the Lord hates a "proud look," "a lying tongue," and "hands that shed innocent blood." But God also hates a "heart that plots evil."

 

This is one who devises thoughts of iniquity, wicked schemes to destroy or hurt, or harmful plots. Perhaps the most vivid example from the Scripture is that of Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus. One who has this type of deceitful heart truly manifests that he more like the devil than any other. We know that we all sin. But here is one who plans to sins; and, perhaps, looks forward to sin. It is easy to see why the Lord would hate such deeds. Solomon says that it is the naughty man - the wicked man (Proverbs 6:12), who "devises mischief continually; he sows discord. Therefore shall his calamity come suddenly; suddenly shall he be broken without remedy" (Proverbs 6:14-15). It is not too surprising to see people of the world involve themselves in such horrors, but what makes me cry is to see those who call themselves Christians involve themselves in such evils.

 

I am aware of those in places of authority within the church structure who are truly involving themselves in devising wicked schemes or plots. It seems that they are trying to destroy certain individuals, or even a local congregation of the Lord's family. C. S. Lewis wrote: “The greatest evil is not done in those sordid ‘dens of crime’ that Dickens loved to pain. It is conceived and moved, seconded, carried, and minuted in clean, carpeted, warmed, and well-lighted offices, by quiet men with white collars and cut fingernails and smooth-shaven cheeks who do not need to raise their voices.” How hardened and unloving must a brother's heart be to stoop so low?

 

The next time you are tempted to “plot evil,” remember that it is something that the Lord hates! No matter how much someone has hurt you, your task is to rise above it all in the grace of God and extend forgiveness to all men. God has a way of leveling the ground among us all. It is his responsibility to mete out judgment, not ours. Check your hands. If there are no nail prints in them, you don’t have the right to judge others.