What are the "abominations" mentioned, and how do they relate to modern temptations? Passage in Focus “ There are six things that 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 run swiftly to evil, a false witness who gives false testimony, and one who spreads discord among brothers.” (Proverbs 6:16-19) Understanding “Abomination” • The Hebrew word toʿebah conveys something morally revolting—utterly incompatible with God’s holy nature. • Each item in this list provokes His righteous anger because it assaults the well-being of people made in His image and undermines the community He intends. Breaking Down the Seven Abominations • Haughty eyes – prideful, dismissive attitudes – Other texts: Proverbs 16:18; James 4:6 – Modern pull: self-promotion on social media, contempt for authority, elitism that belittles others. • A lying tongue – deliberate falsehoods – Other texts: Colossians 3:9; Revelation 21:8 – Modern pull: online misinformation, résumé padding, manipulating facts to gain advantage. • Hands that shed innocent blood – violence against the defenseless – Other texts: Genesis 9:6; Psalm 94:21 – Modern pull: abortion, human trafficking, street and domestic violence, policies that devalue life. • A heart that devises wicked schemes – calculated evil plans – Other texts: Jeremiah 17:9; Micah 2:1 – Modern pull: cybercrime, financial fraud, predatory business tactics, porn industry strategizing to ensnare users. • Feet that run swiftly to evil – eagerness to participate in wrongdoing – Other texts: Isaiah 59:7; Romans 1:32 – Modern pull: binge-watching debauchery, seeking the next thrill in party culture, impulsive gambling. • A false witness who gives false testimony – perjury, slander in legal or public settings – Other texts: Exodus 20:16; Proverbs 19:5 – Modern pull: character assassination online, biased journalism, courtroom deceit, whisper campaigns at work. • One who spreads discord among brothers – sowing division in community – Other texts: Titus 3:10-11; Romans 16:17 – Modern pull: gossip threads, church factionalism, polarizing political rhetoric designed to fracture relationships. Why God Calls Them Abominations • Each sin distorts His image in us—pride replaces humility, lies replace truth, violence replaces life. • They destroy covenant community: families, churches, and societies unravel when these attitudes rule. • They mirror Satan’s character (John 8:44) rather than Christ’s. Guarding Our Hearts Today • Start with vigilant self-examination (Psalm 139:23-24). • Saturate the mind with Scripture truth (Psalm 119:11). • Walk in step with the Spirit so fleshly impulses are overruled (Galatians 5:16-17). • Pursue the opposite virtues: humility, honesty, protection of life, integrity, peacemaking (Matthew 5:3-9). |
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