by Harry Osborne
Are there certain things that disgust you -- things you just cannot tolerate? When I was growing up, my father would not tolerate my brother or me wearing a hat inside. His disgust for such grew out of traditional, Southern manners, not a hatred of hats or a moral objection. I confess that I am probably one of the few in my generation who will not tolerate my boys to wear a hat inside, but the reason for my negative reaction to such is merely a matter of regional custom and manners.
The Bible, however, declares that their are things which God hates and will not tolerate because those actions are opposed to His very nature. Those things for which God shows His contempt are classified within His word as "sin." Such actions are never right, but are always wrong. They are not matters of regional manners or personal opinion open to individual interpretation, but are absolutely forbidden as contrary to God's holy character.
Long ago, Solomon wrote in the Proverbs about God's hatred for sin. His summation of that which God abhors is as true today as when it was first written almost 3000 years ago. Notice these words from the inspired writer:
"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" (Prov. 6:16-19).
Not only should this passage cause us to refrain from the sins mentioned, but it should also help us understand some fundamental things about God's character. He demands that His creation be humbled before Him in reverent awe, rather than seeking self-exaltation with the "proud look" so characteristic of arrogance. Ultimately, sinful pride never has produced anything pleasing to God. It has always resulted in further sin as self eclipses God.
The wise man affirmed, "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall" (Prov. 16:18). A person who has an inflated view of his own importance and knowledge tends to act rashly upon his impulses. Whether one acts in this way in moral matters, business affairs or the political arena, the task undertaken is doomed to an inevitable destruction. Why? Because he has become so self-absorbed that he fails to consider anything besides his own desires and thoughts.
In spiritual matters, the one who only thinks of his own desires rather than humbly submitting to the requirements of God for him is headed towards sin. If one fails to search for God's instruction, he is left to aimlessly follow his own desires and be molded by the evils of the world which surround him (Jer. 10:23; 1 Jn. 2:15-17).
The fact that God hates "hands that shed innocent blood" should bring fear to the heart of everyone who has shown disregard for the sanctity of life created by God. The terrorists who murder innocent victims will someday give an answer before God. However, they will be joined at that judgment bar by the abortionists who annually shed the blood of 1.5 million innocent babies in this country with legal protection. Why do some abhor the former and approve of the latter?
Since God created man in His own image, it has to be especially disgusting to God when one perverts the heart given by God into "a heart that devises wicked plans." God's displeasure with such was plainly manifested in the time of Noah. In that time, "the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually" (Gen. 6:5). Such wickedness was the cause for the flood.
As the Bible declares God's abhorrence of "feet that are swift in running to evil," the vast difference between the character of God and the character of the sinner is seen. God is pictured as swift in doing good and coming to the aid of the faithful (Isa. 40:27-31). The faithful are always seen as swift to obey God's commandments (Psa. 119:60). But those who walk in paths of evil soon begin to run swiftly in sin. Their way grows progressively worse (2 Tim. 3:13).
Of the seven things God hates mentioned in this passage, God's special disdain for falsehood is apparent in that it is deemed worthy of two denunciations. "A lying tongue" and "a false witness who speaks lies" stand opposed to the most basic characteristic of God - His faithfulness. The Bible says "it is impossible for God to lie" (Heb. 6:18) and introduces Him as "God, who cannot lie" (Titus 1:2). When one lies, he acts contrary to God's nature.
Promises made by God are not taken lightly. The psalmist said, "He has remembered His covenant forever, the word which He commanded, for a thousand generations" (Psa. 105:8). In our age which views the solemn promises made in marriage as easily disposed of in divorce, we should recall God's abhorrence of such (Mal. 2:16). God has always viewed the keeping of vows as a serious responsibility for man (Num. 30:2; Deut. 23:21; Matt. 5:33-37). Whether in marriage, business or any other matter, we are obligated by God to state the truth and uphold it in all of our actions. To be like God, any statement of fact or word of commitment must be absolutely true and faithful.
Likewise, there is no such thing as a "white lie" which is acceptable to God. The Bible says that "ALL liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death" (Rev. 21:8). No liar is excluded from that fate. Though some seem to think that lies and deception are means to a better end, lying and deceit are sure to bring the end of destruction (Psa. 5:6; Rom. 3:13-18). Let us always remember, "No lie is of the truth" (1 Jn. 2:21) Such conduct is abhorred by God and all who would be like God.
If one avoids the sins already named in this list of things God hates, peace will be further, not only with God, but with others. There is no gain to be found with God or man through sin. If we seek to justify these sins in one situation, that justification will be multiplied as the basis for tolerance of sin after sin in a vast myriad of situation. Tolerance or love for sin in any situation is certain to bring destruction. It testifies to the fact that our heart is not like God's heart, for He hates sin in every manifestation and situation. Let us do the same.