What the Lord Hates (Proverbs 6:16-19)

The book of Proverbs chapter 6 begins with "Warnings Against Folly," and verses 16-19 speak to the clamoring voices we see and hear daily on the TV or radio. This passage spoke to me this evening as I watched some of the political news coverage before having to turn it off. Heavenly Father, please heal our land.

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.

2 Chronicles 7:11-22 ESV

Paul to Titus: Find Good, Capable Leaders

I may have found one of my favorite books in the Bible. It only has three chapters, and the first one was so simple, yet so profound. Paul is writing a letter to Titus, his "child in the common faith." As his mentor, he gives some pointers on how to appoint capable leaders.

They should be blameless, a husband to one wife, with faithful children who are not accused of wildness or rebellion. As God's manager, he must be blameless and not arrogant--not quick-tempered, not addicted to wine, not a bully, and not greedy for money.

But, this leader should be hospitable, loving what is good, sensible, righteous, holy, self-controlled, capable of encouraging others with sound teachings and able to refute those who contradict it.

Paul continues, "For, there are many rebellious people, idle talkers, deceivers... They overthrow whole households by teaching for dishonest gain what they should not" (Titus 1:10-11).

"To the pure, everything is pure, but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; in fact, their mind and conscience are defiled. They profess to know God but they deny Him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, and disqualified for any good work" (Titus 1:15-16).