Tag: schemes

  • 7 Things God Hates & Their Implications

    7 Things God Hates & Their Implications

    In Proverbs 6:16-19, the Lord expresses His detestation for certain actions and attitudes. These seven traits are haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies, and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.

    Each of these represents a departure from the virtues that God values, such as humility, honesty, righteousness, and peace. Let us explore the meaning behind these detestable actions and the contrasting qualities that God cherishes.

    Proverbs 6:16-19:

    “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.”

    Haughty Eyes

    The Destructive Power of Arrogance

    Hebrew: Ayinayim Ramot: This refers to a proud and arrogant gaze, symbolizing a sense of superiority and disdain for others. It represents a lack of humility and an inflated self-image.

    Haughty eyes, filled with superiority. An air of arrogance, looking down upon others with disdain. A reflection of deep-rooted pride, blinding us to our shared humanity.

     “For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” –Luke 18:14

    Lying Tongue

    Spreading Falsehood and Deceit

    Hebrew: Lashon sheker: This signifies the act of spreading falsehood and deceit through speech. It reflects a lack of integrity and honesty, leading to the erosion of trust in relationships.

    A lying tongue refers to deceitful and dishonest speech, intentionally spreading falsehoods and manipulating others. It is the opposite of honest and trustworthy communication.

    Your words hold enormous power and carry weighty consequences. Every word we utter will ultimately be judged by God.

    “Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
    and those who love it will eat its fruits.” – Proverbs 18:21

    The Hands That Shed Innocent Blood

    Violence and Oppression: The Tragic Consequences of Shedding Innocent Blood

    Hebrew: Yadayim Shofekhot Dam Naki: The act of causing harm or taking the life of an innocent person. It represents violence, oppression, and a disregard for the sanctity of life.

    The act of shedding innocent blood represents a profound violation of the divine order, where human authority was never meant to have dominion over one another. Life is a sacred gift bestowed by the Creator, who imbues each individual with intrinsic worth.

    Prematurely ending a life, especially one defenseless, usurps the prerogative of God and goes against the fundamental philosophy of respecting the sanctity of life

    “Acquitting the guilty and condemning the innocent — the Lord detests them both.” -Proverbs 17:15

    Heart Devising Wicked Schemes

    The Corrupt Intentions of the Mind

    Hebrew: Lev Yozev Machashavot Ra’ot: This signifies a mind that constantly plans and devises evil actions, reflecting a corrupt and malicious intent. It represents a lack of moral conscience and a willingness to harm others.

    The concept of a heart devising wicked schemes refers to the inner intentions and thoughts of an individual inclined towards planning and executing malicious actions. It represents a mindset focused on developing and carrying out harmful or immoral plans.

    “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?” -Jeremiah 17:9

    “For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander.” – Matthew 15:19

    Feet Quick To Rush To Evil

    Unveiling Impulsive Sinful Behavior

    Hebrew: Raglayim Mahirot l’dalchet Ba’ra: This refers to a person who eagerly and willingly engages in sinful activities. It represents a lack of self-control and a tendency to pursue immoral and destructive paths.

    A “quick to rush to evil” refers to someone who eagerly engages in wicked or harmful actions without considering the consequences or ethical judgment. It signifies a hasty and impulsive nature and goes against God’s teachings, as He expects us to distance ourselves from evil.

     “Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evildoers. Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way.” – Proverbs 4:14-15

    A False Witness Who Speaks Lies

    Embracing God’s Valued Virtues and Rejecting Detestable Actions

    Hebrew: Ed sheker mashqeh Kesef: This signifies someone who gives false testimony or spreads lies about others. It represents a betrayal of trust, causing harm and injustice through deceitful words.

    A false witness deliberately provides false testimony, distorting the truth for personal gain or manipulation. Their words lack credibility and integrity, as they are built upon lies and dishonesty. This concept also extends to the failure to align with divine truth in making truthful confessions.

    “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.” – Exodus 20:16

    A Person Who Stirs Conflict

    Embracing God’s Valued Virtues and Rejecting Detestable Actions

    Hebrew: Ish medinim mazor: Someone who actively provokes strife, discord, and division within a community or society. It refers to an individual who intentionally fosters disagreement, animosity, and disharmony among people, sowing seeds of conflict wherever they go.

    Medinim signifies strife or disputes.

    Mazor conveys the idea of stirring or causing trouble.

    A person who stirs conflict is someone who intentionally creates tension and disagreements among others. They enjoy causing problems and try to control and provoke arguments. This behavior disrupts peace and can harm relationships within a group or community.

     “What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you?” – James 4:1 

    IN THIS- IT SHOWS WHAT GOD CHERISHES

    Humility/modesty of eyes –

    Not being prideful or arrogant, giving honor to others.

    He takes great joy in those whose eyes see with clarity unburdened by arrogance or self-importance. In humility we find truth – truth in who God made us to be, and truth in how we ought relate to one another.

    A truthful tongue – Speaking truthfully and honestly.

    “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.” – Ephesians 4:25

    God finds delight in those who speak with integrity, sincerity, and righteousness. Honest words are like refreshing water for the soul, fostering understanding and trust among individuals.

    Hands that protect the innocent –

    Protecting the vulnerable from harm.

    “Defend the weak and the fatherless;
    uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed.
    Rescue the weak and the needy;
    deliver them from the hand of the wicked.”     – Psalm 82:3-4

    A heart that devises righteous plans –

    Crafting plans and intentions focused on goodness.

    “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” – Psalm 51:10

    Feet that are quick to do good –

    Eagerly running toward righteousness.

    “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” – Psalm 119:105

    A truthful witness –

    Bearing honest testimony and avoiding falsehoods.

    “A truthful witness does not deceive, but a false witness pours out lies.” – Proverbs 14:5

    A peacemaker –

    Bringing people together in harmony rather than creating conflict.

    “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” – Matthew 5:9

    In conclusion, Proverbs 6:16-19 reveals the detestable actions and attitudes that the Lord hates, which contrast with the virtues that God cherishes.

    These actions include haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies, and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.

    On the other hand, God values humility, truthfulness, protecting the innocent, righteous plans, eagerness to do good, truthful testimony, and being a peacemaker. These qualities reflect a heart that pleases God and embodies integrity, justice, and compassion.

    As we seek to align our lives with God’s values, let us strive to reject arrogance, deceit, violence, wickedness, impulsive sinful behavior, dishonesty, and causing conflicts.

    Instead, let us cultivate humility, truth, compassion, righteousness, eagerness to do good, honesty, and a spirit of peace. By embracing these virtues, we can honor and please God, and contribute to a harmonious and loving community.

     “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” – Proverbs 31:8-9

  • If You Feel Bound, Smothered & Defenseless

    If You Feel Bound, Smothered & Defenseless

    There is comfort in David’s Words:

    God!!

    In anger they bear a grudge against me.
    — Psalm 55:2-3

    Give heed to me and answer me;
    I am restless in my complaint and am surely distracted,
    Because of the voice of the enemy,
    Because of the pressure of the wicked;
    For they bring down trouble upon me.

    For it is not an enemy who reproaches me,
    Then I could bear it;
    Nor is it one who hates me who has exalted himself against me,
    Then I could hide myself from him.
    But it is you, a man my equal,
    My companion and my familiar friend;
    We who had sweet fellowship together
    Walked in the house of God in the throng.
    Let death come deceitfully upon them;
    Let them go down alive to Sheol, for evil is in their dwelling, in their midst.


    As for me, I shall call upon God,
    And the Lord will save me.
    Evening and morning and at noon, I will complain and murmur,

    And He will hear my voice.
    — Psalm 55:12-17

    He will redeem my soul in peace from the battle which is against me,

    For they are many who strive with me.
    God will hear and answer them⁠—
    Even the one who sits enthroned from of old⁠— Selah.
    With whom there is no change,
    And who do not fear God.
    He has put forth his hands against those who were at peace with him;
    He has violated his covenant.
    His speech was smoother than butter,
    But his heart was war;
    His words were softer than oil,
    Yet they were drawn swords.
    — Psalm 55:18-21

    I said, “Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest.
    “Behold, I would wander far away, I would lodge in the wilderness. Selah.
    “I would hasten to my place of refuge
    From the stormy wind and tempest.”
    — Psalm 55:6-8

    All day long they distort my words;

    All their thoughts are against me for evil.

    They attack, they lurk,

    They watch my steps,

    As they have waited to take my life & because of wickedness, cast them forth, In anger put down the peoples, O God!

    You have taken account of my wanderings;

    Put my tears in Your bottle.
    Are they not in Your book?
    Then my enemies will turn back in the day when I call;
    This I know, that God is for me.
    In God, whose word I praise,
    In the Lord, whose word I praise,
    In God I have put my trust, I shall not be afraid.
    What can man do to me?

    Your vows are binding upon me, O God;
    I will render thank offerings to You.
    For You have delivered my soul from death,
    Indeed my feet from stumbling,
    So that I may walk before God
    In the light of the living.

    Be gracious to me, O God, be gracious to me,
    For my soul takes refuge in You; & in the shadow of Your wings…

    In the shadow of Your Wings I will take refuge,

    Until destruction passes by.
    I will cry to God Most High,
    To God who accomplishes all things for me.
    He will send from heaven and save me;
    He reproaches him who tramples upon me. Selah.
    God will send forth His lovingkindness and His truth.

    My soul is among lions;
    I must lie among those who breathe forth fire,
    Even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows
    And their tongue a sharp sword.

    Be exalted above the heavens, O God;
    Let Your glory be above all the earth.

    They have prepared a net for my steps;

    My soul is bowed down;
    They dug a pit before me;
    They themselves have fallen into the midst of it. Selah.
    — Psalm 56:5 – 57:6

    My heart is steadfast, O God,

    my heart is steadfast;

    I will sing, yes, I will sing praises!
    Awake, my glory!
    Awake, harp and lyre!
    I will awaken the dawn.
    I will give thanks to You, O Lord, among the peoples;
    I will sing praises to You among the nations.
    For Your lovingkindness is great to the heavens

    And Your lovingkindness is Your truth to the clouds.

    Be exalted above the heavens, O God;
    Let Your glory be above all the earth.
    — Psalm 57:7-11

    In Christ we are in Gods Glory. No matter what happens in this physical realm, if you are in Christ, your soul is protected from the deeds of flesh.

    Don’t Give Up!