The book of Proverbs has much to say about God’s love. It also has much to say about human behaviors and thoughts God hates. Powerful words are used to describe God’s reactions to human beings.
Proverbs 3:31-32: “Do not envy the oppressor, and choose none of his ways; for the perverse person is an abomination to the LORD.” The Hebrew word toebah, translated “abomination,” means something that is repulsive.
God finds certain human behavior particularly repulsive. Wisdom is more than knowledge. The wisdom of Proverbs is to be inculcated into the core of an individual’s character.
Points to Build On
Lies are an abomination to God.
Proverbs 12:22: “Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, but those who deal truthfully are His delight.”
The wicked are an abomination to God, but He loves the righteous.
Proverbs 15:8-9: “The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, but the prayer of the upright is His delight. The way of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, but He loves him who follows righteousness.”
Even a person’s thoughts can be an abomination to God.
Proverbs 15:26: “The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD, but the words of the pure are pleasant.”
A person who supports others who are wicked is an abomination to God.
Proverbs 17:15: “He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the just, both of them alike are an abomination to the LORD.”
In Proverbs 6:16-18 we have listed “…six things the LORD hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him: a proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, a false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren.”
A wise person regularly examines his or her life to see if any of these traits have seeped into his or her character. It is just as important to strive to become a person whose character exhibits the opposite traits.
What God Hates
- A proud look.
- A lying tongue.
- Hands that kill the innocent.
- A heart that plots evil.
- Feet that race to do wrong.
- A false witness that pours out lies.
- A person who sows discord among brethren.
What God Loves
- Humility.
- Honesty.
- A person who defends the innocent.
- A person who avoids evil.
- A person who flees from the wrong.
- A person who does not slander or gossip.
- A peacemaker.
Application
Ultimately, wisdom is more than just knowing how to make good decisions. Wisdom is revealed by a person’s character. Wisdom isn’t just a set of principles that we can learn. Wisdom becomes who we are.
