Proverbial Words of Wisdom

Many years ago in my study of Proverbs, I became alarmed at the honest descriptions of good and bad behavior from God’s perspective. At that time, it seemed impossible for me to develop a heart that was pleasing to God due to my early childhood trauma. Despite my prayers and my Bible studies, my heart knew only what it knew… what it had learned as a young child, I had not learned unconditional love, comfort or forgiveness. The first time I heard my pastor give a sermon on the favor of God, I thought “what is that?”

So, I thought if I learned what God didn’t like, I could perhaps at least learn to avoid the things He hated. I hoped to gain God’s favor… one way or the other.

I learned that God hates the following six things, and the seventh is an abomination to Him:

1. A proud look
2. A lying tongue
3. Hands that shed innocent blood
4. A heart that manufactures wicked thoughts and plans
5. Feet swift in running to evil
6. A lying witness
7. Sowing discord among his brethren

The thing I found most alarming, with the exception of murder, is that God hates the common everyday arrogant, lying, deceitful, gossiping busy body. We all know one (or are one)!

Again I learned that God hated these categories of people, who by my interpretation is a by-product of the previous list of seven detestable behaviors:

1. Evil and wicked people (evil and wicked)
2. Self confident fools (despise godly wisdom, instruction and discipline)
3. Scorners (thinking oneself above another)
4. Simple ones (open to evil)

It was helpful for me to recognize that I fell in the category of a simple one. I was open to evil. I wanted everyone to like me, if they were nice to me, I welcomed them as my friend. These partnerships turned to poison in my spirit and kept me from God’s best.

God looks at the heart. If the heart and the word disagrees, it is a lie. Speak the truth in love. Please only God and you will love others perfectly.

“The ways of man are directly before the eyes of the Lord, and He carefully weighs all man’s going.”

(Proverbs 5:21)

Words of Wisdom from the Proverbs:

Get wisdom, get understanding:

• Wisdom will bring you honor
• Give you a wreath of gracefulness
• Give you a crown of beauty
• Will deliver glory to you

Follow instruction:

• Years of life shall be many
• Steps shall not be hampered
• Shall not stumble when you run
• Healing and health to your flesh

Guard instruction:

• Enter not into the path of the wicked
• Avoid it, don’t go in, pass on

Guard your heart where springs of life flow:

• Put away false and dishonest speech
• Put away contrary talk
• Look forward with purpose
• Consider well the path of your feet
• Turn not aside to your left or right
• Remove your foot from evil