Lesson 21 Proverbs

Things Abominable to the Lord There are some things that are “abominable” to the Lord. Abominable is not a word we use regularly. It means “detestable”, “abhorrent”, and “extreme dislike”. When we hear it we get the sense it is something unpleasant and to be avoided. The list we will be studying has characterized all the nations and people whom God has judged through history. We can expect similar judgment if we find them in our lives.

Things Abominable to the Lord Pr. 6:16-19 – “There are six things that the LORD hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.”

A Proud Look Pr. 6:17 – A proud look or haughty eyes Pr. 16:5 – “Everyone who is arrogant in heart is an abomination to the LORD; be assured, he will not go unpunished.” An attitude of superiority toward others or God’s word is the polar opposite to humility and recognizing our need for God. Luke 18:9-14 – The story of the publican and Pharisee clearly exhibits this behavior and who is acceptable in God’s sight. Phil. 2:2-3 – Imitate Christ’s humility

A Lying Tongue Pr. 6:17 – “… a lying tongue…” Pr. 12:22 – “Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord.” Do we tailor our responses to paint our situation in a better light? Cain changed the subject when asked about his brother. Does a child omit details that they know will get the in trouble? Acts 5:1-11 – Ananias and Sapphira

Hands that Shed Innocent Blood 1 Kings 21 – Murder of Naboth Gen. 9:6 – “Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed, for God made man in his own image.” One of ten commandments: “thou shalt not kill” Ex. 21:22-25 – “When men strive together and hit a pregnant woman, so that her children come out, but there is no harm, the one who hit her shall surely be fined, as the woman's husband shall impose on him, and he shall pay as the judges determine. But if there is harm, then you shall pay life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, stripe for stripe.”

Hands that Shed Innocent Blood Abortion certainly fits this definition. The unborn cannot be any more innocent. “Mercy” killing is not condoned. Elder abuse in the form of withholding basic care fits this category.

A Heart that Devises Wicked Plans Pr. 15:26 – “The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord.” Pr. 1:11-13 – “If they say, “Come with us, let us lie in wait for blood; let us ambush the innocent without reason; like Sheol let us swallow them alive, and whole, like those who go down to the pit; we shall find all precious goods, we shall fill our houses with plunder;” Acts 23:20-21 – The Jews plotted to hide by the way and kill Paul. The Jews brought false witnesses against Jesus.

A Heart that Devises Wicked Plans Premeditated wickedness is abhorred by God. God condemned David in the matter of Uriah. We displease God when we attempt to cover or divert attention to our own disobedience. Children stash things out of their parents sight. Individuals conspire not to “rat” each other out.

Feet that Run to Mischief Pr. 15:9 – “The way of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord.” Pr. 3:32 – “for the devious person is an abomination to the LORD, but the upright are in his confidence.” Pr. 11:20 – “Those of crooked heart are an abomination to the LORD, but those of blameless ways are his delight.” Pr. 15:8-9 – “The way of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, but he loves him who pursues righteousness.”

A False Witness 1 Kings 21 – Individuals conspired to falsely accuse Naboth The Jews brought false witness against Jesus. It goes from lying to benefit ourselves to lying to harm another. It is particularly abhorrent for this reason.

One Who Sows Discord Ps. 133:1 – Unity among God’s people is desired. Pr. 26:20-21 – “For lack of wood the fire goes out, and where there is no whisperer, quarreling ceases. As charcoal to hot embers and wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife.” Pr. 16:28 – “A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends.”

Other Things Jehovah Abhors Divers Weights Pr. 11:1 – “A false balance is an abomination to the LORD, but a just weight is his delight.” Those who blur moral distinctions Pr. 17:15 – “He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the just, both of them alike are an abomination to the Lord.” Worship of the Wicked Pr. 15:8 – “The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord…” Pr. 28:9 – “One who turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination.”