Character That Reflects Wisdom
I arrived home from Atlanta late this afternoon. The trip went well and the timing of my connections were just right. I had the opportunity to go out to breakfast with Stephanie and Mason before leaving for the airport.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…Â “There are six things the Lord hatesâno, seven things he detests:Â haughty eyes,
 a lying tongue, hands that kill the innocent, a heart that plots evil, feet that race to do wrong, a false witness who pours out lies, a person who sows discord in a family.” Proverbs 6:16-19 NLT
Solomon declares that, “The fear of the Lord is beginning of wisdom.” (Proverbs 9:10 NIV) It is important to note that the “fear of the Lord” is the starting point, not the point of mature wisdom. A definition of the “fear of the Lord” that I heard over 30 years ago says, “the fear of the Lord is hating what God hates and loving what God loves.” If that is the case these verses from Proverbs 6 should arrest our attention.
The list of things the Lord hates, that are detestable to Him include our whole body. The look of our eyes, the words we speak, the actions we take, where our feet take us and the relationships we have. Perhaps all of these can be viewed on how they impact our relationships with others. In this list are descriptions that have a focus on self. All of these are a description on how individuals seek to get an “upper hand” in life and over others. The concern is not for the impact of the actions or attitude, but only what the individual can gain.
These actions are so contrary to the character of God, we can see why they would be described as what God “hates.” The God of “love” and the God who was willing to show His love for fallen humanity by sending to this broken world His Son, would not have any patience for those who are filled with pride, destroy the innocent, plot evil, don’t hesitate to do wrong and are willing to sacrifice friends and family on the altar of convenience.
I have been reading Jeff Lucas’ book on Elijah. Two powerful statements caught my attention. In writing about the marriage between Ahab and Jezebel, he observed, “integrity was sacrifice daily on the altars of convenience.” In writing about Elijah’s preparation for being God’s prophet, Jeff comments, “God is more interested in the character of his children than he is their gifting.”
All too often gifted individuals have allowed their success and acclaim lead them into actions and attitudes that set them contrary to the way of wisdom. There are times when the “opportunity” that presents itself seems so appealing, that we can be willing to sacrifice our integrity to “seize the moment.” In both of these circumstance there is a failure to fear the Lord, and instead treat the Lord and His wisdom with contempt.
The final words of the verses above should arrest our attention. “Sowing discord in a family” is a serious issue with the Lord. Many will feel they are off the hook because the other characteristics seem raw and the purview  of only the most base. But how many find themselves by default or design sowing discord in a family. God is concern about family and family unity. As serious as we look at the other items on the list that the Lord hates, this one should be at the forefront of four concern.
Prayer for today…Â Lord help us to demonstrate wisdom by taking a stand against the things that you “hate.” As we view that list, help us to not just avoid them, but to examine our hearts to make sure the opposite traits are reflected in our lives.
***************************************
Lucas, Jeff. “Going Public – The Life and Times of Elijah” (Authentic Media. 2008)Â pg. 5,27