Life's Inanities and Ironies

I woke up this morning with a burden on my heart for the politicians in this country. Now I know that may seem at cross purposes, so to speak, but as I was reading Proverbs 6:16–19, I realized it could be directed directly at the politicians of our day in this country. And the fact that, not once but twice, God mentions how much He hates a liar—I didn’t misspeak; the actual word used is “hate.” I know for many of us it’s hard to think that God hates anyone, especially some of you folks who think, “Oh, God is always love and He wouldn’t do anything to anyone.” This thought and fallacy has sent more people to hell than any other. God makes it very clear what is needed to enter heaven. These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: a proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, an heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, a false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren....

We are told “God is love” while conveniently forgetting that the same God is also holy and just, we need to hear the full counsel of Scripture. Proverbs 6:16-19 pulls no punches. It lists seven things the Lord hates— seven abominations that are detestable in His sight. This is not Old Testament harshness; this is the unchanging character of the God we serve. Here is the passage again, straight from the Word: “There are six things the Lord hates,   seven that are detestable to him:   haughty eyes,   a lying tongue,   hands that shed innocent blood,   a heart that devises wicked schemes,   feet that are quick to rush into evil,   a false witness who pours out lies,   and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.” (Proverbs 6:16-19, NIV) If you are a conservative Christian who still believes the Bible is the inerrant, authoritative Word of God, these verses are not optional reading. They are a divine w...