Snow White and the Seven Abominations
Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. Isaiah 1:18 (KJV)
These six things the Lord hates, indeed, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look [the spirit that makes one overestimate himself and underestimate others], a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, A heart that manufactures wicked thoughts and plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, A false witness who breathes out lies [even under oath], and he who sows discord among his brethren. Proverbs 6:16-19 (Amplified Bible Classic Edition, AMPC)
We’ve been washed in the blood of the Lamb. That makes us pure and free from sin. However, we must be committed to remaining free of sin. God gives us the grace to live the Christian life, and to stay clear of the things that God hates. Proverbs gives us a list of things that God considers an abomination. In other words, they are things that God especially detests.
A Proud Look
God hates pride and arrogance. God does not play favorites and the Word says He is no respecter of persons. He loves everyone and sent Jesus to die for us all. He views every person as being of high value. When someone sees themselves as better than another, God takes that as a personal insult to the unique treasure that He made that person to be.
A Lying Tongue
Deception of any kind is detested by the Lord. Jesus told us that He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. If He is identified as the Truth, then the devil must be the lie. The Bible does indeed tell us that the devil is a liar and the father of all lies. When a Christian lies or deceives in any way, they are submitting themselves to the control of the devil. We must be honest and truthful in our dealings with others.
Hands That Shed Innocent Blood
Murder is never condoned by God, especially of innocent children and babies. That is why abortion is such a big deal to God. To slay a defenseless, innocent baby is barbaric and demonic. Any time an innocent person is purposely killed, their blood cries out to God and demands justice. God does not approve of abortion, but He does forgive people who have had an abortion or worked in the abortion industry. Like any other sin, we can come to God and be cleansed from it. If you participated in abortion you do not need to stay condemned by it. Come to God and let Him wash away the guilt.
A Heart That Manufactures Wicked Thoughts And Plans
Throughout the Psalms, David cried out to God about people who conspired against him. People who plot to do evil and who create strategies to do harm to others, are plotting directly against God. When people plot against God, they never win.
Feet That Are Swift In Running To Evil
Some people are always looking for gossip and to hear bad reports of other people. Such people are searching for the latest scandal and they practically salivate over the disclosure of someone’s hidden sins. We are not to rejoice at evil or to delight in someone else’s ruin. Love always thinks the best of people and does not take delight in their downfall. When we hear of people being found in sin, we are to pray for them and not go telling the story to everyone we know.
A False Witness Who Breathes Out Lies
When someone calls us to support them in telling a lie, we have to flatly refuse, even if we are close to them and do not want to see them get in trouble. And we cannot create false stories to protect ourselves or to promote ourselves. Sometimes, what we say can be the difference in someone being held accountable for what they have done or allowing a person to get away with evil deeds. While this is very similar to having a lying tongue, this is more centered on being honest when something big is on the line, such as in a court case, for example.
He Who Sows Discord Among His Brethren
God wants the church to be united. He does not take kindly to people who stir up strife among His children. When we are united and show love towards one another, it is evident to the world we are the children of God. There are people who seem to thrive on pitting people against each other. Strife is a tool of the enemy to make the church powerless and must be avoided at all cost. If someone comes to you and wants to tell you something someone said or did that could cause you to hold something against them, tell them you do not want to hear it. Gossip is not beneficial in any way, shape, or form.
We can look at all of these abominations and see that they can easily be prevented with one thing: love. When we walk in love, we are walking in the Holy Spirit, because He is God and God is love. And when we do so, we prevent all the works of the flesh and all wickedness from even getting close to us. Love conquers all and keeps us snow white before God.
