Proverbs 6:16-19 — Peacebreakers

READ THIS: Proverbs 6:16-19

16 There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: 17 haughty eyes, a lying tongue,         hands that shed innocent blood, 18 a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, 19 a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community. 

WHAT’S THIS MEAN, ANYWAY?
 
“Hate” is a strong word… right? When I was little, I used so say I hated a lot of things that I really just didn’t like very much (like mustard, peas, and homework). Back then, I was throwing the word hate around because I didn’t truly know what “hate” meant, and we are likely all guilty of doing that at times today! But we believe in a God who chooses every word He says… and He says He hates 6 things that people do that can lead to one type of person (7 total things… get it?). Let’s break it down:
  1. Haughty eyes: A proud or judgmental look toward others (kind of like a side-eye…)
  2. A lying tongue: Speaking falsely for your own benefit
  3. Hands that shed innocent blood: Hurting others
  4. A heart that devises wicked schemes: Making plans that you know aren’t wise or pleasing to God
  5. Feet that rush quickly to evil: Seeing people do something wrong and choosing to join in
  6. False witnessing: This is similar to lying… but it can be defined as saying something that might be true, but hasn’t been confirmed (spreading rumors is a great example)
So what is the 7th thing that God hates? The person that comes from these 6 things: someone who creates conflict in community. The Bible calls us often to be peacemakers rather than peacebreakers. All 6 of these things listed are things we can choose to do. We can intentionally make peace, and we can intentionally break it… so what will you do?

THINK ABOUT IT:

1. Can you think of a time where you were a peacemaker this week? Can you think of a time where you were a peacebreaker?

2. Peace is one of the fruits of the Spirit, and we can receive fruits like peace by asking God for it. Have you ever asked God to give you peace before? Have you ever asked Him to help you bring peace?
 
TRY THIS:
 
Check out these verses on being a peacemaker!

Romans 12:17-18 — 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”

James 3:17-18 — 17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.

Matthew 5:9 — 9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”

Comments

  1. AnonymousJuly 14, 2023 at 6:02 AM

    As the middle of 3 children I was often the peacemaker between the oldest and the youngest-still am, though less frequently!

    ReplyDelete

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