“These six things the Lord hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him:
A proud look,
A lying tongue,
Hands that shed innocent blood,
A heart that devises wicked plans,
Feet that are swift in running to evil,
A false witness who speaks lies,
And one who sows discord among brethren.” Proverbs 6:16-19 NKJV
Lord God Almighty,
Hates is a very strong word. Abomination stronger? The Oxford dictionary explains it as a thing that causes disgust or loathing (revulsion , hatred). It suggests no room for any tolerance or overlooking wrong in the slightest!
All seven seem to be directed at behaviour. Things that have progressed beyond thought into action. The heart had not just thought evil it has made plans . . . started moving towards actions. I wonder if the last one was the seventh that was added? Because that suggests the outcome of all six. Discord. Causing disagreement and a lack of harmony.
And they look extreme so at first glance I think they don’t apply to me phew! How could we possibly do such things. But then . . . I have now got a proud look. And I know myself well. I cannot be perfectly good all the time. As is we never did anything wrong! So thank You for Jesus. Who turns You from hate to forgiving me. I may not murder but can hurt someone’s feelings because I didn’t think before I speak. Lord keep me sensitive to Your Holy Spirit so I will do the opposite of all these detestable things. Help me develop humility, truthfulness, kindness, encouragement, a respect for life and be swift to serve You Lord, sowing harmony wherever I can.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Wednesday 4th June 2025
Simple but heartfelt prayer
Lord of all hopefulness, Lord of all joy,
whose trust, ever childlike, no cares could destroy:
Be there at our waking, and give us, we pray,
your bliss in our hearts, Lord, at the break of the day.
Lord of all eagerness, Lord of all faith,
whose strong hands were skilled at the plane and the lathe:
Be there at our labours, and give us, we pray,
your strength in our hearts, Lord, at the noon of the day.
Lord of all kindliness, Lord of all grace,
your hands swift to welcome, your arms to embrace:
Be there at our homing, and give us, we pray,
your love in our hearts, Lord, at the eve of the day.
Lord of all gentleness, Lord of all calm,
whose voice is contentment, whose presence is balm:
Be there at our sleeping, and give us, we pray,
your peace in our hearts, Lord, at the end of the day.
Lyrics: Jan Struther