We continue our study taken from Proverbs chapter six. In verses sixteen through nineteen, Solomon lists seven things that the Lord hates. If the opposite is true, then we can discern seven things that the Lord loves. We looked at the first four last week. We will now finish the last three.
In fifth place of the things that God hates, Solomon lists “feet that run rapidly to do evil” (Prov. 6:18). The Biblical concept opposite is mentioned as “straight paths” (Heb. 12:13). It is not hard to see the meaning of this warning, “Watch the path of your feet and all your ways will be established. Do not turn to the right nor to the left; turn your foot from evil” (Prov. 4:26-27), especially when we know that God’s word is the lamp to keep us on the path. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psa. 119:105).
The next in the compilation of caustic traits is, “A false witness who utters lies” (Prov. 6:19). We know that many people have fallen victim to false accusations, even our Lord. Woe to the one for whom they come. We should strive to be a faithful witness like our Lord (Rev. 1:5). Not only is it listed amongst the Ten Commandments, it also falls under the “love your neighbor as yourself” clause for those in the church. We need to be faithful witnesses of everyday actions and also of those concerning our Lord. Stephen and Antipas were mentioned as faithful witnesses (Acts 22:20; Rev. 2:13). This is not the denominational concept of one’s personal conversion story. Rather, this is the stating of evidence to Lordship of Christ and the gospel. Paul was also mentioned as a witness. “The Lord stood at his side and said, ‘Take courage; for as you have solemnly witnessed to My cause at Jerusalem, so you must witness at Rome also’” (Acts 23:11). We need to be as faithful with the message as Paul was and as the Lord is with us.
Last in the list is, “one who spreads strife among his brethren” (Prov. 6:19). The opposite of which is someone who promotes unity or a peacemaker (Matt. 5:9). We should be counted among those that seek peace and unity where it can be found. “If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men” (Rom. 12:18). We must seek unity in the church and in the home. However, there can be no peace and no unity with whom our Lord has neither peace nor unity. We cannot be found in unity with false teachers, with those walking disorderly, or with any that would herald the cause of sin. How blessed and pleasant it is to dwell in unity (Psa. 133:1).
Maintaining these seven things will help us to maintain unity with Him. We will be found with Him in the end, if we do the things the Lord loves.