The Person Who Stirs up Strife
September 13, 2021
Commentary
The danger of an evil companion is clearly pointed out in this passage. His actions do not match his words. While he may appear harmless or friendly on the outside, his heart is set on evil. He carefully plans harmful actions so that others will not recognize his true intentions until it is too late. As he causes people to stumble and fall, he is also bringing disaster upon himself. His downfall will not be slow or uncertain. The end will be sudden, unavoidable for everyone involved.
Characteristics of this worldly person’s behavior are listed, revealing both inward motives and outward actions in daily life for others around him. First is the sin of attitude, described as “a proud look” (v. 17a), showing arrogance and self-importance. Second is the sin of thought, called “wicked imaginations” (v. 18a), revealing a mind that plans evil. Third is the sin of speech, seen in “a lying tongue” (v. 17b) and “a false witness” (v. 19), where words are used to deceive and destroy trust. These traits bring lasting consequences for all.
Fourth is the sin of action, shown in “shed innocent blood” (v. 17c) and “running to mischief” (v. 18b), describing harmful behavior done without hesitation. Fifth is the sin of influence, summed up as “soweth discord” (v. 19b), where division and conflict are intentionally created. This person misuses the parts of his body—heart, eyes, mouth, tongue, hands, and feet—in ways God never intended, violating His commands and harming others. God desires lives that build others up, not tear them down, and He offers wisdom, correction, and grace to those willing to listen, repent, and walk in His ways, always faithfully. Obedience leads to restoration peace purpose and lasting hope for believers.
Application
I ask God to help me look honestly at my own heart. Do my words match my actions? Am I careless with my thoughts, or harmful with my speech? I want to use my eyes, mouth, hands, and feet to bring peace, not conflict. Who influences me today, and who do I influence? I choose humility and truth, according to Your wisdom.
Proverbs 6:12–19 (NET)
12 A worthless and wicked person walks around saying perverse things;
13 he winks with his eyes, signals with his feet, and points with his fingers;
14 he plots evil with perverse thoughts in his heart, he spreads contention at all times.
15 Therefore, his disaster will come suddenly; in an instant he will be broken, and there will be no remedy.
16 There are six things that the Lord hates, even seven things that are an abomination to him:
17 haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
18 a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift to run to evil,
19 a false witness who pours out lies, and a person who spreads discord among family members.
Beware of The Bait Satan Uses
I sometimes get this question put to me, concerning certain worldly amusements, “May I do so-and-so?” I am very sorry whenever anyone asks me that question, because it shows that there is something wrong, or it would not be raised at a … Continue