God Hates a Heart That Devises Wicked Things

God Hates a Heart that Devises Wicked Things

Prelude: Warning Difficult to Understand!
Warning this article may be difficult to comprehend. If it is too complex and you are bothered by it; then exit out of this subject and leave it alone! Proverbs 6:16-19, "These six things the LORD hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood, A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to mischief, A false witness who speaks lies, and One who sows {spreads} discord {strife} among brethren." Click to Return to Articles or Choose Arrow Back

Prelude: Warning Difficult to Understand!

Warning this article may be difficult to comprehend. If it is too complex and you are bothered by it; then exit out of this subject and leave it alone!

Proverbs 6:16-19, "These six things the LORD hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood, A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to mischief, A false witness who speaks lies, and One who sows {spreads} discord {strife} among brethren."

Click to Return to Articles or Choose Arrow Back

Article Examined in Detail
Have you ever watched a film or read a book—or maybe a horror, a crime thriller, or even an action title involving some elaborate criminal scheme—and wondered, who comes up with this evil stuff? In recent weeks we have even heard on the news of evil murders, mass shootings or stabbings and attempts to murder people. Doesn't it make you wonder about the people who have the sort of a mind that imagined evil, then acted on their thoughts and you wonder why they do evil? The Bible tells us that the fallen human mind is capable of all sorts of wicked thoughts and imaginings. Before the flood, Genesis 6:5, "God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually." After the flood, God looked at Noah and his family and concluded that, essentially, little had changed Genesis 8:21, " … the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth. … " The human heart is basically wicked. Scripture makes it clear that this is the nature of the human heart. God's hatred of such wicked intentions is equally clear, for one of the seven things that the Lord specifically hates is "A heart that devises wicked plans. … " Proverbs 6:18. Proverbs. 15:26, "The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord: but the words of the pure are pleasant words." We need to ask ourselves, "What do we spend our time thinking about?" Are we guilty of always thinking negative thoughts, always whining, or complaining? Are your thoughts lustful, prideful, or ungrateful? Sometimes, it seems that some folks are always trying to make every thing done by others look bad. We are told in James 4:11, "Do not speak evil of one another, brethren. … " James 5:9, "Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned. Behold, the Judge is standing at the door!" Our thoughts and speech need to be proper, or else we sin. Some folks cannot see good in anything that others do. They always put the worst interpretation on the deeds of others. Some can tell you every sin ever committed by every member of the congregation, even though they repented and straightened out their sins years ago. God hates this type of activity and this type of thinking. We need to follow the example of Jesus: 1 Peter 2:21-22, "For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: 22 'WHO COMMITTED NO SIN, NOR WAS DECEIT FOUND IN HIS MOUTH' " When we allow our minds to focus on negative, evil, and wicked things, we are going against everything God has done and taught us to do. Because of this foolish type of thinking, we actually are helping the devil to cause ourselves and others to suffer needlessly. The "heart" in the Bible is the core of the human person. It is from the heart that issues "a heart that devises wicked plans." Such action depicts a person who deliberately plans to act wickedly, and spends his time devising wickedness to perform. Proverbs 4:16-17, "For they do not sleep except when they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away unless they cause some to fall, 17 For they eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence." We humans are very adept at excusing our sin. In this instance, we might be tempted to think that this sin only pertains to those who scheme major horrific acts of evil. In truth, we are all tempted in this way. Proverbs 24:8, "Whoever plots to do evil will be called a schemer." If we are honest, we will admit that we all plan evil far more often that we would like to admit. We also notice daily the tend is to become more evil as humanities actions toward others are increasingly hateful, spiteful, and wicked. Do you ever plan to speak and or do things that the Bible clearly forbids—to lie to your parents, children, employer, a spouse, teachers etc. and or, to speak disrespectfully to a spouse in a manner that is cutting and contemptuous. We should not emulate the world, rather we should maintain a godly standard and look unto Christ the author and the finisher of our faith. We must separate ourselves from worldly people and worldly practices. Often, unbelievers exhibit negative lifestyles engaging in all kinds of social vices which include, stealing, drug abuse, cheating, immorality, gambling, alcoholism, violent attacks, bullying, lying, being malicious, holding grudges, bitterness of heart, rancor, reviling, brawling, worldliness, love for worldly music and movies, internet fraud, cultism, idolatry, smoking, bribery, hatred, envy, jealousy, etc. There are times when people just blatantly plan to be fully disobedience to God and His commandments and laws. One area in which this is all too common is in romantic relationships. God clearly forbids, as Paul admonished, believers are not to be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. 2 Corinthians 6:14, "Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?" Paul means first, that we should not associate with unbelievers who do not actually live for Jesus, and second, that engaging in any intimate relationship or partnership, with someone who does not let Jesus be the center of their lives will ultimately lead to our destruction. Sometimes a young inexperienced believer might simply ignore this command often rejecting or spurning wisdom, refusing to seek out wise, godly counsel from their elders, be it from church or family. Youthful "lovers" forge ahead with relationships and marriage plans that are often wrong, harmful to them and their entire family relationship, including children. Thus their self-centered actions undermines their faith and commitment to God, by them literally devising wicked plans. Often this brings years of heartache, confusion, and sorrow for all involved.

Article Examined in Detail

Have you ever watched a film or read a book—or maybe a horror, a crime thriller, or even an action title involving some elaborate criminal scheme—and wondered, who comes up with this evil stuff? In recent weeks we have even heard on the news of evil murders, mass shootings or stabbings and attempts to murder people. Doesn't it make you wonder about the people who have the sort of a mind that imagined evil, then acted on their thoughts and you wonder why they do evil?

The Bible tells us that the fallen human mind is capable of all sorts of wicked thoughts and imaginings. Before the flood, Genesis 6:5, "God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually." After the flood, God looked at Noah and his family and concluded that, essentially, little had changed Genesis 8:21, " … the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth. … " The human heart is basically wicked. Scripture makes it clear that this is the nature of the human heart. God's hatred of such wicked intentions is equally clear, for one of the seven things that the Lord specifically hates is "A heart that devises wicked plans. … " Proverbs 6:18.

Proverbs. 15:26, "The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord: but the words of the pure are pleasant words." We need to ask ourselves, "What do we spend our time thinking about?" Are we guilty of always thinking negative thoughts, always whining, or complaining? Are your thoughts lustful, prideful, or ungrateful? Sometimes, it seems that some folks are always trying to make every thing done by others look bad. We are told in James 4:11, "Do not speak evil of one another, brethren. … " James 5:9, "Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned. Behold, the Judge is standing at the door!" Our thoughts and speech need to be proper, or else we sin.

Some folks cannot see good in anything that others do. They always put the worst interpretation on the deeds of others. Some can tell you every sin ever committed by every member of the congregation, even though they repented and straightened out their sins years ago. God hates this type of activity and this type of thinking. We need to follow the example of Jesus: 1 Peter 2:21-22, "For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: 22 'WHO COMMITTED NO SIN, NOR WAS DECEIT FOUND IN HIS MOUTH' " When we allow our minds to focus on negative, evil, and wicked things, we are going against everything God has done and taught us to do. Because of this foolish type of thinking, we actually are helping the devil to cause ourselves and others to suffer needlessly.

The "heart" in the Bible is the core of the human person. It is from the heart that issues "a heart that devises wicked plans." Such action depicts a person who deliberately plans to act wickedly, and spends his time devising wickedness to perform. Proverbs 4:16-17, "For they do not sleep except when they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away unless they cause some to fall, 17 For they eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence."

We humans are very adept at excusing our sin. In this instance, we might be tempted to think that this sin only pertains to those who scheme major horrific acts of evil. In truth, we are all tempted in this way. Proverbs 24:8, "Whoever plots to do evil will be called a schemer." If we are honest, we will admit that we all plan evil far more often that we would like to admit. We also notice daily the tend is to become more evil as humanities actions toward others are increasingly hateful, spiteful, and wicked.

Do you ever plan to speak and or do things that the Bible clearly forbids—to lie to your parents, children, employer, a spouse, teachers etc. and or, to speak disrespectfully to a spouse in a manner that is cutting and contemptuous. We should not emulate the world, rather we should maintain a godly standard and look unto Christ the author and the finisher of our faith. We must separate ourselves from worldly people and worldly practices. Often, unbelievers exhibit negative lifestyles engaging in all kinds of social vices which include, stealing, drug abuse, cheating, immorality, gambling, alcoholism, violent attacks, bullying, lying, being malicious, holding grudges, bitterness of heart, rancor, reviling, brawling, worldliness, love for worldly music and movies, internet fraud, cultism, idolatry, smoking, bribery, hatred, envy, jealousy, etc.

There are times when people just blatantly plan to be fully disobedience to God and His commandments and laws. One area in which this is all too common is in romantic relationships. God clearly forbids, as Paul admonished, believers are not to be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. 2 Corinthians 6:14, "Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?" Paul means first, that we should not associate with unbelievers who do not actually live for Jesus, and second, that engaging in any intimate relationship or partnership, with someone who does not let Jesus be the center of their lives will ultimately lead to our destruction. Sometimes a young inexperienced believer might simply ignore this command often rejecting or spurning wisdom, refusing to seek out wise, godly counsel from their elders, be it from church or family. Youthful "lovers" forge ahead with relationships and marriage plans that are often wrong, harmful to them and their entire family relationship, including children. Thus their self-centered actions undermines their faith and commitment to God, by them literally devising wicked plans. Often this brings years of heartache, confusion, and sorrow for all involved.

Hope For Good Relationships
1 Corinthians 7:12-15, "Now to the rest, I, not the Lord, say this: If any brother has an unbelieving wife, and she consents to dwell with him, let him not divorce her. 13 And if a woman has an unbelieving husband, and he consents to dwell with her, let her not divorce him. 14 For the unbelieving husband is sanctified in the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified in the husband; otherwise, your children would be unclean, but now they are holy. 15 But if the unbelieving husband or wife separates, let him or her separate {depart}. The believing brother or sister is not held in bondage in such cases; for God has called us to peace." Yes it is commendable as a believing spouse you do all you can to win your unbelieving mate to come to salvation and truth; but there comes a point of time when the unconverted has made damning choices. If the unbeliever is deceptive and malicious; with no intent to change, and you continue holding on to the carnal relationship and do not let them depart; then you may be hindering the Lord's desire to bring trials upon them. Unconverted mates lie and put on an outward public show; but behind closed doors they are abusive, verbally, mentally, emotionally, and possibly physical and sexually. They spiritually hold your faith over your head like a weapon. God never intended marriage to be a weapon, prison or a trap. He wants people to have a loving marriage for themselves and any children. God inspired Paul to write in such situations you are not bound to your marriage vows to a deceiver and liar anymore. The principle is that you are NOT to be bound to Satanic secular worldly practices of any sort. We are to come out of the world and depart from it and not stay entrapped or engaged in such relationships. God will deal with them in His own time and you have been defrauded, and are freed to marry a believer who has your similar godly values and faith. We all should endeavor to separate from our old way of living and fully grasp the ways of Christ. This is a hard lesson for someone who got caught up in a marriage with an unconverted worldly mate, and while some few unconverted are content to dwell, most are not and the marriage relationship falls apart. This is why Paul, who Christ choose to be an apostle, spoke about such situations. When the relationship is out of your hands and control; then you are instructed to LET THEM DEPART! 1 Corinthians 7:15, "But if the unbelieving husband or wife separates {puts asunder}, let him or her separate. The believing brother or sister is not held in bondage {enslaved to wedding vows}in such cases; for God has called us to peace." Thus you are released from the marriage vows due to their deceit. Godly inspired scripture directs young spiritual widows or widowers to remarry to a believer; not someone Satan would caused to intercept the relationship God intends you to have. God instructs His people to remain single rather than be unequally yoked. 1 Corinthians 7:8-9, "Now I say to the unmarried and to the widows that it is good for them if they can remain even as I am. 9 But if they do not have self-control, let them marry; because it is better to marry than to burn with sexual desire." But God also inspired Paul to write that young women with small children are admonished to remarry; so they are not a burden on the church or family. This includes what is known as spiritual widows of which a man or woman becomes, who had to allow an unbelieving spouse to depart, because of such ungodly behaviors and lifestyle choices that corrupted the entire family. We read in 1 Timothy 5:7-14, "Now these things command that they may be blameless. 8 But if anyone does not provide for his own needy relatives—and especially members of his household—he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. 9 Let a widow be put on the list for assistance if she is not less than sixty years of age, if she has been the wife of one husband, 10 If she has a good report for her good works, if she has brought up children, if she has shown hospitality to strangers, if she has washed the saints' feet, if she has given relief to those who were afflicted, if she has devoted herself to every good work. 11 But refuse to put the younger widows on the list, for when sensuous impulses draw them away from Christ, they desire to marry, 12 Bringing judgment upon themselves because they have set aside their first faith. 13 And besides this, they also learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and they not only become idle, but they also become talebearers and busybodies, speaking things that ought not be spoken. 14 Therefore, I wish the younger women to marry, to bear children, to manage the household, and to give no occasion to the adversary to bring a reproach." Wicked people tend to gossip about the latest juicy tidbit they just heard, even embellishing and adding on to it, more total lies; that could cause great harm to other people, even cause their death or incarceration. The Bible is clear: Ephesians 4:29, "Do not let any corrupt communication come out of your mouth, but that which is good and needful for edification that it may give grace to those who hear." If you allow any corrupting speech to flow from your mouth, you have sinned; and if you have thought about it ahead of time, you are guilty of a heart that devises wicked plans. It doesn't matter that you're having a bad day, or are not feeling well, or woke up on the wrong side of the bed. When we think of "a heart that devises wicked plans," we might be tempted to think of deliberately planning to harm others—and that is certainly a major application of this truth. But an equally valid reason would be failing to give due consideration to whether or not your actions will harm others. Paul tells us quite plainly, Philippians 2:3-4, "Let nothing be done through contention or vainglory, but in humility, each esteeming the others above himself. 4 Let each one look not only after his own things, but let each one also consider the things of others." Being considerate of others in your actions—looking to their interests—is a Christ-like attitude. Since we are commanded to be considerate of others, failure to do so is in some ways the same as deliberately planning to disregard others. We are guilty of sin when we condone wickedness, even if we do not partake in it. Paul condemns this attitude in Romans 1:32: "Although they know God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve to die, they not only continue to do these things, but also give approval to those who practice them." And what are the "things" that warrant death here? The list begins with idolatry and homosexuality, but also includes "all manner of unrighteousness"—covetousness, malice, envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice, gossip, slander, disobedience to parents, etc. Read Romans 1:18-32! Do you laugh when you see your friends disrespecting their parents? Employer, neighbors, or other family members, pastors, television talk shows, or even politicians disrespect those God allowed to be put in place in government, along with Law enforcement officers and teachers. Social media users, do you approve of their wickedness by liking/sharing things that bring dishonor to Christ? Do you listen eagerly when someone wants to share the latest gossip about a fellow church member? Are you blase about malicious talk and slander? If so, you are guilty of approving what God hates, and thereby of allowing your heart to devise wicked plans.

Hope For Good Relationships

1 Corinthians 7:12-15, "Now to the rest, I, not the Lord, say this: If any brother has an unbelieving wife, and she consents to dwell with him, let him not divorce her. 13 And if a woman has an unbelieving husband, and he consents to dwell with her, let her not divorce him. 14 For the unbelieving husband is sanctified in the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified in the husband; otherwise, your children would be unclean, but now they are holy. 15 But if the unbelieving husband or wife separates, let him or her separate {depart}. The believing brother or sister is not held in bondage in such cases; for God has called us to peace." Yes it is commendable as a believing spouse you do all you can to win your unbelieving mate to come to salvation and truth; but there comes a point of time when the unconverted has made damning choices.

If the unbeliever is deceptive and malicious; with no intent to change, and you continue holding on to the carnal relationship and do not let them depart; then you may be hindering the Lord's desire to bring trials upon them. Unconverted mates lie and put on an outward public show; but behind closed doors they are abusive, verbally, mentally, emotionally, and possibly physical and sexually. They spiritually hold your faith over your head like a weapon. God never intended marriage to be a weapon, prison or a trap. He wants people to have a loving marriage for themselves and any children. God inspired Paul to write in such situations you are not bound to your marriage vows to a deceiver and liar anymore. The principle is that you are NOT to be bound to Satanic secular worldly practices of any sort. We are to come out of the world and depart from it and not stay entrapped or engaged in such relationships. God will deal with them in His own time and you have been defrauded, and are freed to marry a believer who has your similar godly values and faith.

We all should endeavor to separate from our old way of living and fully grasp the ways of Christ. This is a hard lesson for someone who got caught up in a marriage with an unconverted worldly mate, and while some few unconverted are content to dwell, most are not and the marriage relationship falls apart. This is why Paul, who Christ choose to be an apostle, spoke about such situations. When the relationship is out of your hands and control; then you are instructed to LET THEM DEPART! 1 Corinthians 7:15, "But if the unbelieving husband or wife separates {puts asunder}, let him or her separate. The believing brother or sister is not held in bondage {enslaved to wedding vows}in such cases; for God has called us to peace." Thus you are released from the marriage vows due to their deceit. Godly inspired scripture directs young spiritual widows or widowers to remarry to a believer; not someone Satan would caused to intercept the relationship God intends you to have.

God instructs His people to remain single rather than be unequally yoked. 1 Corinthians 7:8-9, "Now I say to the unmarried and to the widows that it is good for them if they can remain even as I am. 9 But if they do not have self-control, let them marry; because it is better to marry than to burn with sexual desire." But God also inspired Paul to write that young women with small children are admonished to remarry; so they are not a burden on the church or family. This includes what is known as spiritual widows of which a man or woman becomes, who had to allow an unbelieving spouse to depart, because of such ungodly behaviors and lifestyle choices that corrupted the entire family.

We read in 1 Timothy 5:7-14, "Now these things command that they may be blameless. 8 But if anyone does not provide for his own needy relatives—and especially members of his household—he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. 9 Let a widow be put on the list for assistance if she is not less than sixty years of age, if she has been the wife of one husband, 10 If she has a good report for her good works, if she has brought up children, if she has shown hospitality to strangers, if she has washed the saints' feet, if she has given relief to those who were afflicted, if she has devoted herself to every good work. 11 But refuse to put the younger widows on the list, for when sensuous impulses draw them away from Christ, they desire to marry, 12 Bringing judgment upon themselves because they have set aside their first faith. 13 And besides this, they also learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and they not only become idle, but they also become talebearers and busybodies, speaking things that ought not be spoken. 14 Therefore, I wish the younger women to marry, to bear children, to manage the household, and to give no occasion to the adversary to bring a reproach."

Wicked people tend to gossip about the latest juicy tidbit they just heard, even embellishing and adding on to it, more total lies; that could cause great harm to other people, even cause their death or incarceration. The Bible is clear: Ephesians 4:29, "Do not let any corrupt communication come out of your mouth, but that which is good and needful for edification that it may give grace to those who hear." If you allow any corrupting speech to flow from your mouth, you have sinned; and if you have thought about it ahead of time, you are guilty of a heart that devises wicked plans. It doesn't matter that you're having a bad day, or are not feeling well, or woke up on the wrong side of the bed.

When we think of "a heart that devises wicked plans," we might be tempted to think of deliberately planning to harm others—and that is certainly a major application of this truth. But an equally valid reason would be failing to give due consideration to whether or not your actions will harm others. Paul tells us quite plainly, Philippians 2:3-4, "Let nothing be done through contention or vainglory, but in humility, each esteeming the others above himself. 4 Let each one look not only after his own things, but let each one also consider the things of others." Being considerate of others in your actions—looking to their interests—is a Christ-like attitude. Since we are commanded to be considerate of others, failure to do so is in some ways the same as deliberately planning to disregard others.

We are guilty of sin when we condone wickedness, even if we do not partake in it. Paul condemns this attitude in Romans 1:32: "Although they know God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve to die, they not only continue to do these things, but also give approval to those who practice them." And what are the "things" that warrant death here? The list begins with idolatry and homosexuality, but also includes "all manner of unrighteousness"—covetousness, malice, envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice, gossip, slander, disobedience to parents, etc. Read Romans 1:18-32!

Do you laugh when you see your friends disrespecting their parents? Employer, neighbors, or other family members, pastors, television talk shows, or even politicians disrespect those God allowed to be put in place in government, along with Law enforcement officers and teachers. Social media users, do you approve of their wickedness by liking/sharing things that bring dishonor to Christ? Do you listen eagerly when someone wants to share the latest gossip about a fellow church member? Are you blase about malicious talk and slander? If so, you are guilty of approving what God hates, and thereby of allowing your heart to devise wicked plans.

How to Avoid Evil and Wickedness
How can we avoid plotting evil plans and doing wickedness? First, Trust God to direct your path into salvation: Proverbs 3:5-6, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." If you fail to acknowledge God in your planning, you are effectively planning to do what is wicked. James condemned those who boasted about future plans without giving a thought to God. James 4:5, "Instead, you ought to say, 'If the Lord wills, we will live, and we will do this or that.' " He does not mean that we should thoughtlessly tack the words "God willing" to the end of every sentence, but that we should make plans with an attitude of acknowledgment of God's rule. To not do so is to devise wicked plans. Read James 4:13-17. Proverbs 12:13, "The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble." Second, deliberately give thought to God's will in your planning, then you will not plan to do evil. What would God have you to do in any given circumstance? How can you best glorify God as you plan? Seek scriptural instruction and godly guidance. Proverbs 12:15, "The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who listens to advice is wise." Do you seek counsel before making decisions? This is particularly important when making big decisions (entering marriage, adopting a child, etc.), but seeking godly counsel is never unwise, regardless of how big or small the decision. Proverbs 15:22, "Without counsel purposes are frustrated, but in the multitude of counselors they are established." Proverbs 13:10, "Only by pride comes contention, but with those who take advice is wisdom." Third, deliberately set your mind on honorable, rather than dishonorable, things. As Paul put it, "… Whatever is honorable … think about these things." Philippians 4:8. If your mind is set on things that bring dishonor to the Lord, your actions will follow suit. In any given situation, deliberately think about how you can bring the most honor to God. For example, do you sense strain between you and your parents, children, siblings or spouse? Are you perhaps at odds with another church member? Instead of thinking about how you can prove to be right and get your way, think about how you can honor God and His laws—which may mean not getting your way! Are you tempted to visit a website you should not visit? Deliberately set your mind on God's truth. Open your Bible and start reading. Do what you must to set your mind on God's truth. Finally, cultivate your mind, and imitate the life, of Jesus Christ, who planned to serve God in the things that He did. Jesus always did what was pleasing to His Father. And how did He know what was pleasing to the Father? Primarily by spending time in fellowship with the Father and by exposing Himself to the truth of God. Jesus' knowledge of Scripture impressed all who met Him. John 4:23-24, "But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth; for the Father is indeed seeking those who worship Him in this manner. 24 God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and in truth." Jesus worships His Father in spirit and the truth. John 10:30, "I and the Father are one." They are in agreement!
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How to Avoid Evil and Wickedness

How can we avoid plotting evil plans and doing wickedness?

First, Trust God to direct your path into salvation: Proverbs 3:5-6, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." If you fail to acknowledge God in your planning, you are effectively planning to do what is wicked. James condemned those who boasted about future plans without giving a thought to God. James 4:5, "Instead, you ought to say, 'If the Lord wills, we will live, and we will do this or that.' " He does not mean that we should thoughtlessly tack the words "God willing" to the end of every sentence, but that we should make plans with an attitude of acknowledgment of God's rule. To not do so is to devise wicked plans. Read James 4:13-17. Proverbs 12:13, "The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble."

Second, deliberately give thought to God's will in your planning, then you will not plan to do evil. What would God have you to do in any given circumstance? How can you best glorify God as you plan? Seek scriptural instruction and godly guidance. Proverbs 12:15, "The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who listens to advice is wise." Do you seek counsel before making decisions? This is particularly important when making big decisions (entering marriage, adopting a child, etc.), but seeking godly counsel is never unwise, regardless of how big or small the decision. Proverbs 15:22, "Without counsel purposes are frustrated, but in the multitude of counselors they are established." Proverbs 13:10, "Only by pride comes contention, but with those who take advice is wisdom."

Third, deliberately set your mind on honorable, rather than dishonorable, things. As Paul put it, "… Whatever is honorable … think about these things." Philippians 4:8. If your mind is set on things that bring dishonor to the Lord, your actions will follow suit. In any given situation, deliberately think about how you can bring the most honor to God. For example, do you sense strain between you and your parents, children, siblings or spouse? Are you perhaps at odds with another church member? Instead of thinking about how you can prove to be right and get your way, think about how you can honor God and His laws—which may mean not getting your way! Are you tempted to visit a website you should not visit? Deliberately set your mind on God's truth. Open your Bible and start reading. Do what you must to set your mind on God's truth.

Finally, cultivate your mind, and imitate the life, of Jesus Christ, who planned to serve God in the things that He did. Jesus always did what was pleasing to His Father. And how did He know what was pleasing to the Father? Primarily by spending time in fellowship with the Father and by exposing Himself to the truth of God. Jesus' knowledge of Scripture impressed all who met Him. John 4:23-24, "But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth; for the Father is indeed seeking those who worship Him in this manner. 24 God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and in truth." Jesus worships His Father in spirit and the truth. John 10:30, "I and the Father are one." They are in agreement!

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God Hates a Heart that Devises Wicked Things

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