Proverbs 6:16-19 (ESV): “16 There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: 17 haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, 18 a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, 19 a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.”
God hates sin. However, not all sin is equal. There are seven sins that are especially an affront to Him. We should pay special attention to these in our lives and take to heart the words of John Owen: “Be killing sin, or sin will be killing you.”
Solomon warns his son about seven sins that God abhors: pride, lying, murder or violence, evil thoughts and plans, running to do evil, and causing division in the body of Christ. He understands that “sin will take his son farther than he wants to go, keep him longer than he wants to stay, and cost him more than he wants to pay” (Ravi Zacharias). Solomon longs for his son to walk in freedom, not in the chains of sin.
What sins from this list do you struggle with? Is it pride? Lying? Perhaps all of them? Know this: “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to man” (1 Cor. 10:13). We must guard ourselves against sin, for it will destroy us and harm others in the process. But God is calling us to walk in newness of life. Christian, the Spirit of God dwells within you. Walk in Him, and you will not be overcome by these sins.
Father, we thank You for breaking the chains of sin on our behalf. Give us wisdom and strength to walk in this freedom daily, and keep us from being entangled by the sins that so easily ensnare us. We pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.
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