How can Proverbs 6:16 influence our interactions with others in the community? The Text in View “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 the List Matters for Community Life • Scripture lists these seven sins to warn believers of attitudes and actions that poison fellowship. • Each item targets a relational failure—pride, deceit, violence, manipulation, eagerness for wrongdoing, perjury, and divisiveness. • Because the text is God-breathed (2 Timothy 3:16), it carries binding authority on how we treat one another. Walking Through the Seven Detested Things 1. Haughty eyes • Pride elevates self and diminishes others. • Remedy: “With humility comes wisdom” (Proverbs 11:2). Pursue Philippians 2:3 humility—“in humility consider others more important than yourselves.” 2. A lying tongue • Falsehood erodes trust, the glue of any community. • Remedy: Ephesians 4:25—“Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor.” 3. Hands that shed innocent blood • From physical violence to character assassination, taking life or reputation offends the Creator of life (Genesis 9:6). • Remedy: 1 John 3:15 calls hatred “murder.” Choose love that protects and preserves. 4. A heart that devises wicked schemes • Sin often germinates in secret planning (James 1:14-15). • Remedy: Psalm 139:23-24—invite God to search and purify hidden motives. 5. Feet that run swiftly to evil • Readiness to sin indicates a will set against God’s ways. • Remedy: Romans 12:9—“Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.” Cultivate habits that slow the rush toward wrongdoing. 6. A false witness who gives false testimony • Courtroom or conversation, perjury crushes justice. • Remedy: Exodus 20:16 commands truthful testimony; Proverbs 19:5 warns the false witness “will not go unpunished.” 7. One who stirs up discord among brothers • Division fractures Christ’s body (1 Corinthians 1:10). • Remedy: “Make every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit” (Ephesians 4:3). Use words that heal, not inflame. Practical Steps for Daily Application • Start the day with Psalm 19:14, asking God to guard words and thoughts. • Before speaking, run statements through a three-fold filter: Is it true? Is it loving? Is it necessary? • Seek reconciliation quickly when discord surfaces (Matthew 5:23-24). • Encourage accountability partners who will name pride, deceit, or divisiveness when they appear (Proverbs 27:6). • Celebrate displays of humility, honesty, and peacemaking to reinforce godly patterns. A Community Health Checklist □ Humility over self-promotion □ Truth over spin □ Protection of life and reputation □ Pure motives over hidden agendas □ Moral caution over reckless eagerness □ Integrity in testimony □ Peacemaking over strife Closing Encouragement Living out Proverbs 6:16-19 cultivates communities where trust thrives, unity deepens, and God receives honor. By God’s enabling grace, believers can embody the opposite of what He hates and model the love He delights to display through His people. |
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