Many people
speak of God as only a God of love, but God hates some things. In fact,
Scripture says these things are an abomination to Him. They are in other words extremely disgusting
to Him, loathing to Him.
Proverbs
gives us seven things that fall into this category:
Proverbs
6:16–19 (NKJV) 16These six things the Lord hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: 17A
proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood, 18A
heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil, 19A
false witness who speaks lies, And one who sows discord among brethren.
1. A Proud look -
James 4:6 (NKJV) 6But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: “God
resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.” God, in Scripture, always favors the
humble. Bullies are often far from
humble they think they are superior to others.
Yet, the bullied often respond in pride which builds conflict with those
around them and often escalates a situation.
2. A lying tongue
– God commands us to put off lying and to speak the truth in love. Eph. 4:15; 25 Unfortunately, both the bully
and he who is bullied is often guilty of not being honest. Hence, Proverbs challenge Proverbs 18:13, 17
(NKJV) 13He who answers a matter before he hears it, It is folly and
shame to him. 17The first one to plead his cause seems right, Until
his neighbor comes and examines him.
3. Hands that shed innocent blood – These are the bullies who attack unprovoked, and just
delight in hurting others. Though these
situations are growing, after questioning teens, they still seem to be the
minority of bullying cases.
4. A heart that devises wicked plans – Notice here; this is an issue of the heart, there is no
inference that this has even been carried through, but simply the
thoughts. Many a bully, and she who is
being bullied, can be guilty of planning evil in their hearts. Unfortunately, many a parent and grandparent
encourage this type of thinking, as well.
5. Feet that are swift in running to mischief – There are many individuals that are
in a hurry to be unrighteous, to say unrighteous things in response to others,
to act in unrighteous ways toward others.
God, in His hatred toward mischief, does not differentiate on whether it
was verbal, or physical; He still hates it!
6. A false witness who speaks lies – How many individuals are false witnesses because they fail
to tell the whole story, and be honest with those who are trying to deal with a
solution? How many twist the story to
their advantage, never desiring the truth to be known?
7. One who sows discord – How many people love the drama and stirring up others by telling
stories, gossiping, and repeating how they were wronged instead of going to the
individual and addressing the problem with truth? Others fabricate stories to get others riled
up and bring conflict, dissension, and fights to the groups and organizations
of which they are part.
God is
calling us to repent and turn from our sin to righteousness. John 1:9 “If we confess our sins He is
faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all
unrighteousness.” If we are going to
find a true “bully solution,” both the bullied and the bully are going to have
to be honest with themselves, and God and deal with their sin by putting it
under the blood of Christ and choosing a different way of life!
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