The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.
—Proverbs 8:13 (KJV)
When we have a deep and reverential respect for our holy God, we will love what God loves and hate what he hates. We need to realize, however, that the word "hate" is used very carefully in Scripture. This strong verb is not used often, and when it is used with God as the subject, the object of God's hatred needs to be noticed. God hates evil. God defines evil in our verse as pride, arrogance, wicked behavior, and vile speech. These are things that followers of Jesus not only avoid but also loathe. God wants his people to be people of character — people of humility, moral behavior, and helpful speech.
O holy and righteous Father, forgive me of my pride and self-interest. Forgive me for my arrogance and deceitful tongue. Remake me by your Spirit to be holy in word and deed, compassionate toward those in need, and freed from evil. To you, O LORD, be the glory in my life and in your Church, forever and ever. In Jesus' name. Amen.
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
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—Proverbs 8:13 (KJV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
When we have a deep and reverential respect for our holy God, we will love what God loves and hate what he hates. We need to realize, however, that the word "hate" is used very carefully in Scripture. This strong verb is not used often, and when it is used with God as the subject, the object of God's hatred needs to be noticed. God hates evil. God defines evil in our verse as pride, arrogance, wicked behavior, and vile speech. These are things that followers of Jesus not only avoid but also loathe. God wants his people to be people of character — people of humility, moral behavior, and helpful speech.
My Prayer...
O holy and righteous Father, forgive me of my pride and self-interest. Forgive me for my arrogance and deceitful tongue. Remake me by your Spirit to be holy in word and deed, compassionate toward those in need, and freed from evil. To you, O LORD, be the glory in my life and in your Church, forever and ever. In Jesus' name. Amen.
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
Continue reading...
