Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 12:22, 6:16-17

by David Chadwick

“Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight.”

Proverbs 12:22

“There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood.”

Proverbs 6:16-17

Can a good and loving God hate anything? Yes! If you have ever spent any time reading the Bible, you know that God can, and does, hate many things! While God is love (1 John 4:8), he still has the capacity to emotionally respond with hatred.

I find great comfort in this side of the Lord because in order for love to truly exist, there must be an abhorrence for everything that hinders love. Things like wickedness (Proverbs 15:8-9), pride (Psalm 5:5), evil deeds (Revelation 2:6), selfish motives (Proverbs 15:26), and those who love violence (Psalm 11:5).

Take some time to read through some of these verses for yourself. As you do, you will see that even the things that God hates reveal his nature and character as a good Father and the embodiment of love. Today, let’s take a deeper look at one more thing that God really hates: lying lips (Proverbs 12:22, Proverbs 6:16-17).

Why does God hate deception? Because God’s word is holy and true (John 17:17). Jesus himself, in John 14:6, said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Because God is truth, there can be no falsehood in him.

The devil, however, works in direct opposition to the truth. From the beginning of time, his native language has been “deception.” He is both a liar and the father of lies (John 8:44). Lying lips destroy people created in God’s image. It’s a devious weapon to kill, steal, and destroy.

Do you remember what the devil’s first temptation of Eve was in the garden of Eden? He said in Genesis 3:1, “Did God really say this?” Satan is a master deceiver and has built his entire mission around deception.

May we all act faithfully in our quest after the truth. And may we always bring truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). The world would be so much better if we committed to love what God loves and hate what God hates! After all, it is the truth that sets us free (John 8:32).

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 18:15

by David Chadwick

“An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.”

Proverbs 18:15

Knowledge is “the awareness gained by experience of a fact or situation.” Wisdom is defined as “the quality of having knowledge and good judgment.”

Biblically, both wisdom and knowledge are frequently discussed. They are very important qualities to have in living life well. It is impossible to lead well without knowledge and wisdom.

But what is the difference between the two?

Knowledge gathers information and forms understanding, especially about God. It is inadequate to simply know a lot of facts. True, biblical knowledge understands who God is and forms an awareness that is centered around his heart.

Whereas knowledge is the gathering of information, wisdom comes as you learn how to apply the knowledge practically. Wisdom is developed by asking “Why?” and “How?” and seeking direction. It comes as you ask why something exists, why someone is acting the way they are, why something happened the way it did. And it asks, “How do I move forward with what I know?” It is important to pursue a life of wisdom and seek to understand both the facts and the nuances of life and human behavior.

When God offered Solomon one gift, Solomon did not choose riches, power, or success. Do you know what he asked God to give him? Wisdom! Solomon’s request pleased the heart of God. The biblical books of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes contain much of the wisdom that the Lord gave Solomon. Historically, these books are called “wisdom literature.”

Additionally, did you know wisdom in Scripture is often personified as a woman? Proverbs 1:20-21 is an example of this personification. It says that wisdom calls aloud and raises her voice in the street. Proverbs 8:1-3 is another example, which says that wisdom calls out.

In the same way that a man seeks after a woman, we must seek after wisdom. We should desire it, pursue it, and receive its imprint on our lives. With all our hearts. Without it, we are in danger and vulnerable to deception and folly.

Seek both wisdom and knowledge. Together. A fruitful and faithful life comes from rightly pursuing and rightly using both of these tools God has given us.

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 18:17

by David Chadwick

“The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him.”

Proverbs 18:17

Our world is full of so many perspectives, sides, and stories. And in this social media generation, opinions are running wild. Everyone is a self-acclaimed expert, and there are many different stances everywhere you turn.

So, what do you do when you hear something about someone? Or when you catch someone’s opinion about something occurring in the world? Or when you read a story in the news? How do you intercept so much information and so many opinions with wisdom and discernment?

Proverbs 18:17 tells us exactly what to do, and it is so practical. Let’s look at it today.

This verse essentially encourages all of us to pause. It teaches us that someone’s opinion sounds right until you hear the other side.

What a powerful insight this is, especially when trying to mediate two different opinions. You hear one side, and you think you have the necessary insight to draw a right conclusion. Then you hear the other side, and you realize it's a completely different story. Most often, the truth lies somewhere in between the two sides. But it's important to always hear both sides of a story.

The Bible also encourages us to have two or three witnesses whenever an accusation is brought against someone. Why? Because we all see things differently. That's why this proverb provides important wisdom before reaching a conclusion.

This verse is a great truth for parents, bosses, pastors, coaches, and leaders. Anyone who finds themselves in a position of leadership must practice this principle when presented with any difficult situation.

Go slow. Listen. Take in all sides. Most often, the truth lies somewhere in between, something my dad used to say all the time.

Above all, pray for discernment. Sometimes you must examine to find the truth. It must be searched out.

Remain shrewd as a serpent, innocent as a dove. Search out the truth with all vigilance, but as you do, keep your heart pure. Don’t let your heart become hardened as you see the complexities you will inevitably witness in this broken world.

One day, Jesus will make all things right. We will know his truth in all things.