Today’s reading: Proverbs 4:1-6:35
My selection: Proverbs 6:16-19
16 There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him:
17 haughty eyes, a lying tongue,
and hands that shed innocent blood,
18 a heart that devises wicked plans,
feet that make haste to run to evil,
19 a false witness who breathes out lies,
and one who sows discord among brothers.
My reflections: It is easy to see how despicable are every one of the sins listed here. These are not merely outward sins but inward as well. Take, for example, haughty eyes and the sowing of discord among brothers. These are not just the gross sins of murder and lying under oath, but also the more subtle sins of pride and of intentionally creating conflict.
Discord among brothers is sown by gossip, that is, passing along information whether true or false, for the purpose of turning one person against another. Discord is sown by the failure to overlook a fault and by the failure to forgive others. Discord is sown by plotting against another and by lying about another.
My challenge: What can you do to sow harmony rather than discord among brothers? Seek to live in peace with others (Romans 12:18). Seek to be a peacemaker (James 3:18). Hate what God hates, but, beware, these sins lurk in you and me. Only in Christ can we be forgiven, made new creatures, and set on a path that, in glory, will result in our complete transformation into His likeness. Meanwhile, pursue growth in holiness.
Tomorrow’s reading: Proverbs 7:1-9:18
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