Proverbs

31 Proverbs Highlights: #6-God Hates

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(A simple series highlighting verses from each chapter of the book of Proverbs)

Here are six things God hates, and one more that he loathes with a passion:

  • eyes that are arrogant,
  • a tongue that lies,
  • hands that murder the innocent,
  • a heart that hatches evil plots,
  • feet that race down a wicked track,
  • a mouth that lies under oath,
  • a troublemaker in the family. Proverbs 6:16-19

Yes, God loves.  But, according to these verses, God hates also.

This paraphrase from The Message states very clearly what he hates.  And what God hates, we should hate also.

31 Proverbs Highlights: #5-Immorality

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(A simple series highlighting verses from each chapter of the book of Proverbs)

Solomon takes several portions of this book to warn his son about the lores of immorality and adultery. Chapter 5 is his instructions about an immoral woman.

“She doesn’t consider the path of life; she doesn’t know that her ways are unstable.”‭‭ Proverbs‬ ‭5:6‬ ‭HCSB‬

She doesn’t know. That description is thought provoking. 

Why doesn’t she know?

  • Could it be she is just trying to survive?
  • Could it be no one has ever tried to show her a better path?
  • Could it be her hand is raised but it’s unnoticed, maybe even slapped away by judgment?
  • Could it be she wants to come into the light but is terrified of the powers of the dark?
  • Could it be that she could know if we would stop long enough to consider that she doesn’t?

    These aren’t thoughts Solomon is concerned with. However, they crossed my mind as I pondered the why.

    31 Proverbs Highlights: #4-Growth

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    (A simple series highlighting verses from each chapter of the book of Proverbs)

    “The path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, shining brighter and brighter until midday.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭4:18‬ ‭HCSB‬‬

    The imagery of the path’s light getting brighter and brighter as the morning progresses seems to go along with the truth that spiritual growth is a process.

    The more you walk in righteousness the clearer choices/decisions seem to be.

    The more you seek God the closer he seems to be.

    At salvation, you come out of the darkness. Sure, it can seem quite bright at first. But walking the path of sanctification only brings more brilliance.

    Walk On to the Midday!

    31 Proverbs Highlights: #3-Sleep

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    (A simple series highlighting verses from each chapter of the book of Proverbs)

    Maintain your competence and discretion. My son, don’t lose sight of them. They will be life for you and adornment for your neck. Then you will go safely on your way; your foot will not stumble. When you lie down, you will not be afraid; you will lie down, and your sleep will be pleasant. Proverbs 3:21-24

    Full of Fear? Having Difficulty Sleeping?

    The remedy for fear and lose of sleep-maintaining competence and discretion.

    So, what if you don’t possess those naturally?

    • Seek counsel from those who have them.
    • Acquire mentoring to grow in them.
    • Seek God through his word and prayer to obtain his competence and discretion.

    31 Proverbs Highlights: #2-Integrity

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    (A simple series highlighting verses from each chapter of the book of Proverbs)

    “For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. He stores up success for the upright; He is a shield for those who live with integrity so that He may guard the paths of justice and protect the way of His loyal followers. Then you will understand righteousness, justice, and integrity — every good path…For the upright will inhabit the land, and those of integrity will remain in it;” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭2:6-9, 21‬ ‭HCSB‬‬


    These verses teach these results of living with integrity:

    • God is your shield
    • God guards your path
    • God protects your way
    • God gives you understanding
    • God deepens your roots

    31 Proverbs Highlights: #1-Fear

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    (A simple series highlighting verses from each chapter of the book of Proverbs)

    Fear impacts our lives in astounding ways. These two verses teach that by choosing the right place of fear we can avoid the foolish choices of misplaced fear.

    “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and discipline…But whoever listens to me (wisdom) will live securely and be free from the fear of danger.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭1:7, 33‬ ‭HCSB‬‬