“These six things doth the Lord hate; yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among the brethren.” Proverbs 6:16-19
I want us to focus on just one of the above things that the Lord hates, “He that soweth discord among the brethren.” The Bible says,” Hear instruction, and be wise and refuse it not” (Proverbs 8:33). Knowing the strong feelings that God has for such discord, one would think that we would be quick to follow instruction and allow the Holy Spirit to take control of our words concerning another brother or sister in Christ. Words are not like a fishing lure that we can reel back in if we don’t like where we cast it. Once they are out, there is no getting them back.
Think of such behavior as weeds among flowers. It is discontent that aims to divide and act as briars that hurt the body. If any of you have a garden or flower beds you know that weeds choke and entangle the plants that we have so carefully planted. And so it is in the body of Christ. When we think of our words as seed, the seed we plant will either be a help or a hindrance. We will either participate in that which God hates or that which He approves. We will either be an instrument of blessing in God’s hands or a vessel used of the devil.
What have you said to another as of late in your car; at the dinner table; over the phone or in the pew about another brother or sister in Christ? If they overheard you, what would they think? Better yet, we know from our Scripture what God thinks. Remember God hears all and sees all, “The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good” (Proverbs 15:3).
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