Proverbi :16-19 “Sei cose odia il Signore, anzi sette gli sono in abominio:17 gli occhi alteri, la lingua bugiarda, le mani che spargono sangue innocente,18 il cuore che medita disegni iniqui, i piedi che corrono frettolosi al male, 19 il falso testimone che proferisce menzogne, e chi semina discordie tra fratelli.”
There are other places in the Bible where the 6 + 1 pattern of describing things is used to emphasize the last point. Proverbs 30 contains this exact literary style throughout the chapter. The idea is that the last statement is a culmination of the first six.
The clarity by which Solomon rebukes the people of God persuades us that these behaviors can still find their way into the midst of God’s people today. The Message, in contemporary language, catalogs the 6 plus 1 items this way: “eyes that are arrogant, a tongue that lies, hands that murder the innocent, a heart that catches evil plots, feet that race down a wicked track, a mouth that lies under oath” and culminates with “a troublemaker in the family.”
Notice the parts of the body that are the delivery system to these things which God hates and detests: eyes, tongue (mentioned twice), hands, heart and feet.
A person who intentionally causes discord in the family of God creates suspicion, doubt and distrust among others. It seems like there could not be a much greater affront to God and His people than the intentional disunity within the family of God.
Pray with me: Lord, I am reminded again today that You hate and detest behaviors that disrupt Your work in us. Help me to keep my intentions honorable before You by loving what You love: unity and harmony among the family of God.
