As we go through the Book of Proverbs we are
going to gain wisdom in two main ways. We are going to learn what the Lord likes and what He dislikes. Proverbs 6 has a list of seven things that the Lord definitely dislikes. The list is as follows from Proverbs 6:17-19:
1. A proud look - Eyes that are haughty, arrogant, and snobbish. Eyes that look down on others. A spirit that overestimates themselves and underestimates others.
Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. (Proverbs 16:18)
For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
(Romans 12:3)
2. A lying tongue - A tongue that can't be trusted. One that is accustomed to deadly
lies.
The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to
kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. (John 10:10)
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:6)
3. Hands that shed innocent blood - Hands that kill those who aren't guilty.
Their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed innocent blood: their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity; wasting and destruction are in their paths. (Isaiah 59:7)
4. An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations - Creates wicked plans, manufactures wicked thoughts and plans, imagines wicked enterprises and is devising thoughts of vanity.
But they hearkened not, nor inclined their ear, but walked in the counsels and in the imagination of their evil heart, and went backward, and not forward. (Jeremiah 7:24)
5. Feet that be swift in running to mischief - They run to evil, quick to do wrong, they race down a wicked track and run fast to sin.
They take pleasure in doing wrong, and they enjoy the twisted ways of evil. (Proverbs 2:14)
6. A false witness that speaketh lies - A deceitful witness in court, a mouth that utters lies under oath.
Those who convict the innocent by their false testimony will disappear. A similar fate awaits those who use trickery to pervert justice and who tell lies to destroy the innocent.
(Isaiah 29:21)
7. He that soweth discord among the brethren - One who stirs up trouble, sows discord in a family,
starts fights among brothers, is a troublemaker in the community.
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. (Matthew 5:9)
Now, all this may at first glance may appear complicated but it is actually very simple. If we will not get too impressed with ourselves; if we will treat all people with dignity and respect; if we will tell the truth; if we will take authority over our own thoughts; and if we will be a peacemaker, then the Lord will be well pleased and it will go well with us.
We all need improvement, so let's try it His way.