What steps can we take to avoid "wicked plans" in our daily lives? Seeing the Warning Proverbs 6:18 describes “a heart that devises wicked plans” as one of the seven things “the LORD hates”. Because the Lord Himself singles this out, it calls for deliberate, daily care on our part. Step One – Guard the Heart • “Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life.” (Proverbs 4:23) • Ask the Spirit to expose hidden motives before they sprout into schemes. • Keep short, honest accounts—repent quickly when selfish plotting shows up. Step Two – Feed the Mind Truth • “Whatever is true…think on these things.” (Philippians 4:8) • Regular Bible intake crowds out deceptive thoughts; memorize verses that counter areas where you tend to scheme (Psalm 119:11). • Replace “How can I get my way?” with “How can I honor Christ?” Step Three – Shape Habits Early • Small compromises make room for bigger plots (Luke 16:10). • Establish routines of integrity: honest reports, prompt apologies, transparent finances. • Train your “default setting” to be upright so wicked plans never get traction. Step Four – Choose Wise Company • “He who walks with the wise will become wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.” (Proverbs 13:20) • Invite friends who will challenge even subtle manipulations. • Avoid entertainment and media that celebrate scheming; what amuses us today can govern us tomorrow. Step Five – Walk by the Spirit • “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16) • Before decisions, pause and ask, “Holy Spirit, is this pleasing to You?” • Dependence, not self-effort, keeps the heart clean. Step Six – Practice Confession and Accountability • “Confess your sins to one another and pray for one another.” (James 5:16) • Naming a temptation out loud drains its power; secrecy fertilizes wicked plans. • When you stumble, claim 1 John 1:9 and move forward cleansed. Living It Out Today 1. Morning: Read a proverb; pray its truth into your day. 2. Midday: Quick heart-check—any brewing resentment, envy, or self-promotion? Cut it off. 3. Evening: Review the day with God; celebrate victories, confess failures, reset for tomorrow. Wicked plans begin inside, but so does genuine holiness. As we guard the heart, renew the mind, and rely on the Spirit, the schemes God hates never get past the drawing board. |
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