Proverbs

Proverbs 6: God hates the ways of evil

Begin in prayer

Before we look at the traps of careless words and evil desires, let us ask God to teach us. Pray for honest hearts that hate what He hates.

“‘You shall not hate your brother in your heart. You shall surely rebuke your neighbor, and not bear sin because of him.

Leviticus 19:17

Father in heaven, please open our eyes as we read Your Word. Help us receive instruction before we fall into sin’s traps. Show us the holiness and mercy of Jesus, who saves the guilty. Make us more like Jesus. And please bless our family as we worship You together. In Jesus' name, Amen.

See where we're going

The father urges his son to seek release from a rash pledge that has trapped him through his own words. He sends the lazy person to watch the ant, warning that idleness brings poverty like a robber. A scheming troublemaker faces sudden ruin, and the LORD names seven things He hates. Pride, lies, murder and a heart that plans evil belong on that list. The father’s command and mother’s teaching are a lamp that exposes the danger of adultery. Taking another man’s wife is like holding fire against one’s clothes, bringing disgrace and a husband’s jealousy that money cannot appease.

As you read Proverbs 6, look for the answers:

Reflect together

Key truth

God’s instruction gives light to keep us from the evil He hates.

A father’s command and a mother’s teaching are a lamp and a light (verse 23), and this chapter shows what that light uncovers. A pledge for a neighbor’s debt traps a son by his own words, so he must humble himself and plead for release at once. The ant has no ruler, yet it gathers food in harvest, and its example warns that poverty comes on the idle like a robber. Then the LORD names seven things He hates, from “haughty eyes” to “he who sows discord among brothers.” He hates the heart that plans wicked schemes as well as the hands that kill the innocent. Last, the lamp shines on adultery, which burns a man as surely as fire carried in his lap burns his clothes. A thief may repay seven times, but the wronged husband will not accept any ransom (verses 31 to 35). God gives this light before the first step, so that sin’s pleasant start cannot hide its end.

How does Proverbs 6 show us that God’s instruction gives light to keep us from the evil He hates?

God gives light before trouble comes.

The trapped son must humble himself and press his plea without delay. The ant gathers food when food is available. Both pictures teach attention to present duties before danger arrives.

God hates evil in hearts and actions.

The LORD hates proud eyes and a lying tongue. He also hates the heart that devises wicked schemes and the person who spreads discord. His judgment reaches the hidden purpose as well as the outward deed.

God’s instruction exposes the cost of sin.

The father’s commandment is compared to a lamp. Its light reveals why another man’s wife must not become the object of desire. Adultery destroys a life, and gifts cannot purchase the injured husband’s peace.

Memorise

For the commandment is a lamp, and the law is light.

Proverbs 6:23

Looking to Jesus in my life

Ask yourself in your heart, what sin am I treating as harmless instead of seeking Jesus?

“For the commandment is a lamp,” the father says. Its light exposes the evil that our hearts excuse. God hates lies, pride and murder, even when we make them seem small.

Jesus obeyed where sinners have refused God’s instruction. At the cross He bore the punishment due to His people for their sins. He rose again, and death no longer rules over Him. That completed offering is enough for all who seek His mercy.

Turn from your sin and put your trust in Jesus. Forgiveness is found in Him for everyone who believes. Bring the hidden plans of your heart into His light. The holy Savior rescues guilty people and teaches them to walk away from evil.

Parent's note

Tell your children that the last warning concerns adultery and explain its consequences in your own words. Please do not tell them they are saved just because they grew up in a Christian home. Call each child to turn from sin and trust Jesus, and pray that God would give them a new heart.

Pray together

Now please close your time together in prayer. Thank God for instruction that brings hidden evil into the light. Bring the heart question to Him. Every child can pray, so let each one say a short prayer if they want to.

But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you won’t fulfill the lust of the flesh.

Galatians 5:16

Holy Lord, thank You for teaching us what You hate. Please keep us from excusing evil in our hearts. Lead us to repent and believe in Jesus. Help us speak truth, work with care and honor the trust of other people. Amen.