Read Proverbs 6
Today I read Provers 6 from the New Living Translation and the Amplified Classic
My thoughts on Proverbs 6:
Don't cosign loans, it's a trap
Don't be lazy
Preparation is key
Worthless, wicked people defined - constant liars, they have perverted hearts that plot evil, and constantly stir up trouble
The 7 things God hates - we should hate them too and do everything we can to walk in unity (I'll dig deeper into these 7 things.)
Keep God's Word always in your heart - you'll have clarity even in challenging situations
God's counsel, through His Word, leads, protects, and advises
His Word is a lamp and their instruction is a light
His Word is also corrective discipline
His Word will keep you from immorality
The verses that spoke to me:
"These six things the Lord hates, indeed, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look [the spirit that makes one overestimate himself and underestimate others], a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, A heart that manufactures wicked thoughts and plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, A false witness who breathes out lies [even under oath], and he who sows discord among his brethren." (Proverbs 6:16-19 AMPC)
A proud look - the spirit that overestimates himself and underestimates others. Take a moment, look at your relationships and determine who you may have underestimated or even written off. Ask God to show you their heart and if this might be a "Divine Connection." Sometimes the answer to our prayers is right in front of us but we don't see!
A lying tongue - you can't trust a liar. It's so important that we be people of our word. If you say it, do it. If you can't do it then acknowledge that. Don't act like you didn't say it! Honor God by honoring your word.
Hands that shed innocent blood - do not murder people physically, of course, but also with your tongue! Our words can be weapons that cause others a lot of pain.
A heart that manufactures wicked thoughts and plans - don't use deception to get what you want. Instead, trust God. Remember this, before you take action the plan was conceived in your mind. Your thought life is important. You must be intentional about what you think about because thoughts become words and then words become actions. Ask yourself, do I want this to materialize in someone's life or even your own? If not, change your thoughts. Let this Scripture be your guide: "Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things." (Philippians 4:8 NKJV)
Feet that are swift in running to evil - are you one that devises wicked plans? You can tell that by what motivates you to do what you do. While people may not know why, God does. He sees your heart. But the Lord said to Samuel, "Look not on his appearance or at the height of his stature, for I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees; for man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart." (1st Samuel 16:7 AMPC)
A false witness who breathes out lies, even under oath - again God is emphasizing telling the truth in all situations.
He who sows discord among his brethren - Discord: sowing strife, disagreement, contention, any disagreement which produces angry passions, contest, disputes, litigation or war (Noah Webster 1828 Dictionary)
My takeaway:
We are brothers and sisters in Christ, a part of God's body. We must walk in unity and not fight against each other or tear each other down. We're called to build up, restore, and love, to name a few things. When we do these things then we will avoid falling into being a part of the 7 things God hates. To do anything else means we're cooperating with, and being used by, the devil!
"Therefore encourage (admonish, exhort) one another and edify (strengthen and build up) one another, just as you are doing." (1st Thessalonians 5:11 AMPC)
"Finally, beloved friends, be cheerful! Repair whatever is broken among you, as your hearts are being knit together in perfect unity. Live continually in peace, and God, the source of love and peace, will mingle with you." (2nd Corinthians 13:11 TPT)
"Fill up and complete my joy by living in harmony and being of the same mind and one in purpose, having the same love, being in full accord and of one harmonious mind and intention." (Philippians 2:2 AMPC)
FAITH CONFESSION:
Lord, I want to honor You by living in unity with my brothers and sister in Christ. Let me be one that encourages and builds others up. I will hate the things You hate and love the things You love, that means loving people because people matter to You. My mouth will speak Your truth in every situation because I love You and want to honor You in every way I can. Abba. help me to reflect You well by living in a way that Your Kingdom comes, and Your will is done on earth as it is in heaven.
Share in the comments what verse spoke to you and why. Let's grow in wisdom together.
Be Encouraged! ❤