A Prayer to Hate What God Hates
By Laura Bailey
Bible Reading
“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.” - Proverbs 6:16-19 NIV
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The Book of Proverbs is filled with biblical wisdom. It contains countless verses that provide timeless Truths, practical advice, and words of encouragement. The majority of the book compares the lives of the foolish and the wise. The key difference is that the foolish person relies on themselves, while the wise person leans on God. Toward the beginning of Proverbs, we find this list of things God hates. For many, it is difficult to read of God’s hate, vengeance, or wrath, and they prefer to focus on God’s love, mercy, and grace. But we can’t have one without the other. If we don’t know what is good and acceptable ( and conversely, what is not) in the Lord’s eyes, how will we know how to live our lives pleasing to the Lord?
I’ve had countless conversations with earnest Christians seeking to live in a way that glorifies God, always trying to “figure out” God’s will for their lives. But here’s the good news: we don’t have to guess what God desires for us; He tells us in His Word! So today, we will examine the seven things the Lord detests, as well as their counterparts, in the hope of living lives that are sweet aromas (Philippians 4:18) to the Lord.
1. Haughty Eyes
A person with haughty eyes believes they are better than others. A haughty spirit is arrogant and prideful, thinking highly of itself and poorly of anyone else. As believers, we are called to imitate Christ, who humbled himself to death on the cross so that we, sinners, can have eternal life (Philippians 2:18).
2. A Lying Tongue
The definition of lying is “an intentionally falsified Statement to present a false impression.” We lie when we speak untruths about other people and use words of flattery for selfish gain. God hates this sin because He is the God of Truth.
3. Hands That Shed Innocent Blood
Matthew 5: 21-24 Jesus tells us that anyone who harbors anger in his heart and refuses forgiveness is guilty of murder. God quickly forgives us, so we should do the same for others.
4. A Heart That Devises Wicked Schemes
A heart focused on wicked schemes desires that others experience physical, spiritual, or emotional ruin. Personal gain is achieved through someone else’s loss. Christians can champion others, knowing we are all on God’s team.
5. Feet That Are Quick to Rush into Evil
Someone quick to rush into evil displays no spiritual restraint to sin. Temptation is a part of the Christian life, but we can turn in or turn away. We should practice self-control and turn away from sin.
6. A False Witness Who Pours Out Lies
This is similar to lying but speaks explicitly to the severity of talking untruthfully about your neighbor. Often, when we speak against our neighbors, there is an underlying heart issue of covetousness, jealousy, or comparison. We must inventory our heart’s desires and confess anything that keeps us from pursuing holiness in everything we say.
7. A Person Who Stirs up Conflict in the Community
God is displeased when people intentionally create discord among the body of believers. Christians will experience disagreements, but we are called to be peacemakers, not peace breakers.
Let’s Pray:
Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of the Bible, which is alive and active. Every time we turn to Your Word, we can hear You speak to our hearts and minds, teaching us Your timeless Truths. Let us be people who hate what you hate and love what you love. Let us be diligent about taking inventory of our hearts' motivations and actions. Let us be Christ-like examples in all that we do.
In Jesus’ Name, amen.
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Laura Bailey is an author and Bible teacher who encourages women to understand what they believe, why it matters, and how to apply biblical truths to their lives. Her recent book, Embracing Eternity in the Here and Now, explores how the timeless truths of Ecclesiastes help us live more peaceful, purposeful, and plentiful lives today.
She lives in Upstate South Carolina with her husband and three young girls, where she serves as director of women's ministries at her church. Her passion is teaching the Bible to women, equipping them to live with an eternal perspective. Invite Laura to speak at your next event or learn more: www.LauraRBailey.com
Editor's Note: We're proud to announce we've just launched a new nighttime companion to Your Daily Prayer: the Your Nightly Prayer devotional. You'll soon be able to subscribe to receive Your Nightly Prayer via email, or as a podcast, but for now you can find it on the website at crosswalk.com/devotionals/your-nightly-prayer. We hope it's a relaxing and soothing way to wind down your day with rich meditations on who God is.
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