In what ways can Proverbs 6:16 guide our daily decision-making? Text for Study “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 stirs up discord among brothers.” (Proverbs 6:16-19) Why These Verses Matter for Everyday Choices The list exposes attitudes and actions God explicitly rejects. If we want our steps to line up with His, each item becomes a lens for filtering daily decisions. Putting Proverbs 6:16-19 into Daily Decisions • Haughty eyes (pride) – Ask: “Am I elevating myself or serving others?” – Choose humility: “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6) – Practical step: Give credit before you take credit. • A lying tongue – Ask: “Is what I’m about to say completely true?” – Speak truth: “Put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor.” (Ephesians 4:25) – Practical step: Refuse half-truths, exaggerations, and convenient silence. • Hands that shed innocent blood – Ask: “Does this action protect life and dignity?” – Honor life: “You shall not murder.” (Exodus 20:13) – Practical step: Defend the vulnerable; reject violence in word, deed, or entertainment. • A heart that devises wicked schemes – Ask: “What is motivating my plan—love or self-gain?” – Guard motives: “The heart is deceitful above all things.” (Jeremiah 17:9) – Practical step: Pray over plans; invite accountability before acting. • Feet that run swiftly to evil – Ask: “Am I quick to embrace questionable opportunities?” – Slow down: “Their feet run after evil.” (Isaiah 59:7) — Don’t let that be your biography. – Practical step: Pause and seek counsel when a choice looks thrilling but shady. • A false witness who gives false testimony – Ask: “Am I reporting facts or assumptions?” – Protect reputations: “You shall not bear false witness.” (Exodus 20:16) – Practical step: Verify before you share; correct misinformation promptly. • One who stirs up discord among brothers – Ask: “Will this comment build unity or fracture it?” – Pursue peace: “Watch out for those who create divisions… Turn away from them.” (Romans 16:17) – Practical step: Reconcile quickly; refuse gossip that poisons relationships. Practical Daily Checklist 1. Humility over pride 2. Truth over convenience 3. Protection of life over harm 4. Pure motives over hidden agendas 5. Caution over impulsive wrongdoing 6. Verifiable facts over rumor 7. Peacemaking over conflict-seeding Aligning Our Hearts with God’s Heart • Start each day inviting the Spirit to spotlight any of the seven tendencies. • Memorize Proverbs 6:16-19 to keep the list ready for real-time decisions. • Replace each forbidden path with its Christ-honoring alternative (Philippians 2:3). Living this way not only keeps us from what the Lord hates—it actively channels what He loves into every choice we make. |
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