Essay 61 (2-21-05)

SEVEN THINGS THAT GOD HATES

These six things the Lord hates, yes, seven things are an abomination to him. (Proverbs 6:16)

There appears to be a kind of magic in specifying numbers. They at least elicit more attention than when one speaks more generally. I noticed it as a professor in the classroom. If I said, "There are four things you should watch for on the final," it was sure to bring out pens and notebooks - more so than if I had spoken generally, Or when a parent says to the daughter off to college for the first time, "Three things . ."

The Bible often does this, perhaps because it was a literary form in ancient literature. The prophet Amos uses this motif repeatedly, as in 1:3: "For three transgressions of Damascus, and for four, I will not turn away its punishment." Job 40:5 has the Lord saying, "Once I have spoken, but I will not answer; yes, twice, but I will proceed no further." Proverbs often employs this kind of specificity, as in 30:7: "Two things I ask of you (Deprive me not before I die)."

Giving numbers seems to enhance the significance of the subject, as if to say, "These are particularly important." There is more of a superlative ring to the "Ten Commandments" than simply "some commandments." It is noteworthy that we still prefer Moses' Ten Commandments even when Jesus seemed content to name six commandments (Mt, 19:18-19).

When Paul writes, "But one thing I do" (Philip. 3:13) it gets our attention - What is the one thing he does? We ask.

And when the "Wisdom" writers - such as we have in Proverbs - tell us that there are six things, even seven things, that the God of heaven abhors, we are all ears - even if we may already know them. But that is good teaching, reminding people of what they already know. It is the way our mothers taught us. We need to be reminded!

The seven things that God hates as the New King James version renders Proverbs 6:16-19 are:

A proud look. This is pride or arrogance which makes everyone's list of premier sins, and usually is placed first. C, S. Lewis said sins like adultery are but flea bites in comparison to pride.
A lying tongue. This is the one behavior that is condemned by all religions and all ethical systems. This may be because a lie is calculated to deceive, which distinguishes it from a mere misstatement. One may be wrong in what he says without being a liar. Politicians take note!
Hands that shed innocent blood. From earliest times murder (unjustified homicide) has been deemed wrong, and by all religions. It is seen as part of "the law written in the heart." When Cain killed his brother Abel, he knew he had done wrong, even when it was before the Ten Commandments were given. But justifiable homicide - as in a "just war" or capital punishment - has always had its defenders, including the Bible. As in this injunction, it is the innocent life that is not to be taken.
A heart that devises wicked plans. This is reflective of Pro.4:20: "Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life." It was rabbinical teaching like this - religion focused on the heart - that may have led Jesus to make "Blessed are the pure in heart" as basic in his teaching.
Feet that are swift in running to mischief. Notice how the writer in these five injunctions relates these sins to body members - arrogant eyes, lying tongue, murderous hands, wicked heart, and wayward feet. Wrongdoing is the work of the whole person.
A false witness that speaks lies. If one finds justice anywhere, surely it would be in a court of law, but even here truth is sometimes sacrificed on the altar of greed and corruption.
One who sows discord among brethren. All these could be expressed positively, and here we would have "Blessed are the peacemakers." If God hates the sower of discord, he loves the peacemaker. People generally fall into two classes - whether at home, at the office, at school, or in church - piecemakers or peacemakers.

Among the numerous catalogues of sins in the Bible this list is unique in that it lists only sins of the heart and mind, with no mention of sins of the flesh or appetite. The Ten Commandments include adultery, a sin of the flesh. While Jesus inveighs mainly against pride, selfishness, and hypocrisy --sins of the heart to be sure - he also lists adultery and fornication, as in Mt. 15:19. Paul in his various lists names not only fornication and adultery but also love of pleasure.

The medieval theologians came up with "The Seven Deadly Sins." They include four sins of the heart - pride, covetousness, wrath, envy - and three sins of the flesh or appetite - gluttony, sloth, and lechery (gross sensuality). While of course all sin emanates from the heart, including sensual or fleshly sins, the most serious sins have always been deemed to be those that captivate the heart and will and soul. That is why C. S. Lewis saw pride as far more monstrous than adultery.

A modern theologian has sought to give the ancient "Seven Deadly Sins" more contemporary application. He came up with an impressive list of "Seven Social Sins" - (1) politics without principle; (2) wealth without work: (3) pleasure without conscience (4) knowledge without character; (5) industry without morality; (6) science without humanity; (7) worship without sacrifice.

These lists and categories of sin raise the more basic question of the nature of sin - What precisely is sin? That is a subject for another essay, but we can say now that the character of sin can be seen in the smug complacency of the old lady at a garden party who was told that an escaped lion was only twenty yards away. "Oh, yes," she said, as she went on to take another bite of her cucumber salad.

Where there is no God, there is no sin. Sin is a disruption of one's relationship with God and others.

Notes

The Encyclopedia of the Stone-Campbell Movement is now published, and we have posted a copy to all those who ordered, except a few who ordered late. Those will be sent when we receive a second shipment. It is even more impressive than I anticipated. It is a great tribute to our religious heritage. You can still order a copy from us at $50 plus $3.10 postage. Make check to Leroy Garrett and post to 1300 Woodlake Dr., Denton, TX 76210.

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