For the next few days our daily Lessons will focus on a paragraph in the Old Testament Book of Proverbs. Specifically, the “things God hates!”

This “list” is unusual in Solomon’s Masterpiece of divinely inspired Literature. The 31 chapters of Proverbs mostly cover a plethora of subjects. Discussing dozens of “types” of people in its journey through human nature.

But occasionally a sustained paragraph is developed. These are usually the “sections” of the Book I enjoy most. I hope to some day (soon) preach a series of five Sermons from the “Paragraphs of Proverbs.” Several are coming to mind even as I type here early this morning. (From a Revival Meeting in Savannah, Tennessee.)

But perhaps no Text anywhere in Scripture is any more informative concerning the Character of God than this little four verse Unit. “These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: a proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, an heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, a false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.” Proverbs 6:16-19

Count them, there are seven … indeed!

Ranging from attitudes to actions … inner thoughts to outer behavior!

We shall, the Lord willing, cover one per day … unless one “spills” over, due to its weightiness, its applicability to today’s society, even today’s Church environment.

In Revelation 3:16, to a half-hearted group of nominal Christians, Jesus literally says “I will spue thee out of My Mouth!” Sounds like strong feeling to me, aversion!

And throughout the Bible, Old and New Testaments, God uses the word “abomination.” Really, 76 times if I have counted correctly. Add 76 more if the plural is included, “abominations!” And these do not yet count the 23 times “abominable” occurs! All use words meaning something like “disgusting!” Or “detestable!” Mighty close to God “hating” something or someone!

But none of the foregoing example are as clear as our Text. “Things God HATES …!”

We shall begin our meditations tomorrow, the Lord willing.

In the meantime, someone start memorizing the list. I will do the same.

“These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: a proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, an heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, a false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.”

“Lord, I pray … enlighten our eyes … and our hearts … as we study these four powerful verses. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

— Dr. Mike Bagwell