How can we identify and avoid "abominations" in our modern context? Key Verse “There are six things that the LORD hates, seven that are an abomination 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 the Word “Abomination” - Hebrew root conveys something detestable, repulsive to God’s holy nature. - Not cultural preference but divine verdict; what God calls abominable never becomes acceptable with time (Malachi 3:6). - Carries the weight of provoking God’s wrath when practiced and His blessing when forsaken (Isaiah 1:16-18). Identifying Modern Expressions of the Seven Abominations • Haughty eyes – Modern pride: self-promotion on social media, dismissive attitude toward biblical authority, belittling others. • A lying tongue – Half-truths in resumes, online personas, gossip, click-bait headlines. • Hands that shed innocent blood – Violence, abortion, racist attacks, exploitation that shortens lives through unsafe work conditions. • A heart that devises wicked schemes – Pre-meditated fraud, cyber-scams, porn-industry planning, manipulative advertising. • Feet that run swiftly to evil – Eagerness to binge sinful entertainment, thrill-seeking in immoral venues, instant participation in cancel culture. • A false witness who gives false testimony – Perjury, slanted journalism, social-media rumor-sharing, academic dishonesty. • One who spreads discord among brothers – Church splits fueled by ego, divisive political trolling, unforgiving family feuds, stirring ethnic strife. Practical Steps to Avoid Abominations - Daily Scripture intake (Psalm 119:11) to recalibrate conscience. - Immediate confession and repentance when convicted (1 John 1:9). - Humility practices: serve unnoticed, credit others, fast from self-promotion (Philippians 2:3-4). - Truth-telling habit: commit to accuracy before posting or speaking (Ephesians 4:25). - Protect the innocent: advocate for unborn, vulnerable, oppressed (Proverbs 24:11-12). - Guard the heart’s plans: filter ambitions through prayer and wise counsel (Proverbs 4:23). - Slow your feet: pause before clicking, buying, joining (James 1:19-20). - Reconcile quickly: pursue peacemaking, refuse to nurture grudges (Matthew 5:23-24; Romans 12:18). Additional Scriptures for Ongoing Discernment - Deuteronomy 18:10-12 – occult practices called abomination. - Leviticus 18:22, 20:13 – sexual sins labeled abominable. - Proverbs 11:20 – crooked hearts versus blameless conduct. - Luke 16:15 – what people exalt can be abominable to God. - Revelation 21:8, 27 – eternal fate of unrepentant practitioners of abomination. |
    |