THINGS THE LORD HATES: A Heart that Devises Wicked Schemes (Thursday)

Feb 2, 2023
2 min read

Proverbs 6:16-19 (Day 4 of 7)

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.

Though they plot evil against you and devise wicked schemes, they cannot succeed. Psalm 21:11

Those who devise wicked schemes are near, but they are far from your law. Psalm 119:150.

The word “to scheme” means to think, to plan, to charge, to value, and to invent with intent to do something illegal or wrong. The term “wicked” is related to what causes trouble and sorrow, but also has to do with idolatry.

When am I charged with devising wicked schemes? Anytime my mind thinks, plans, or values something that is not pleasing to the Lord or injures others around me. Aren’t all my thoughts pleasing to the Lord?

THINK ABOUT THESE THINGS

If I’m honest, then I’ll have to say no. God says His thoughts are not my thoughts, nor are my ways His ways (Isaiah 55:8). My mind is thinking all the time, mostly how to do things my way and for my benefit. God wants me to think differently—to ask Him to give me His thoughts, so He can put His thoughts in my mind.

I want to think like God, but most of the time I don’t. My mind wanders while I try to solve my own problems or invent my own solutions. Haven’t I learned by now that God already knows the answers to my problems and the solutions to my dilemmas? All I need to do is ask Him. “Ask, and it shall be given to you,” Jesus states in Matt. 7:7.

Lord, today I ask You to cleanse my mind and insert Your thoughts, Your hopes, and Your dreams into my life. Amen.

May you be blessed,

Chaplain Wayne Ruckman