“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.” Proverbs 6:16-19
Some of these are obvious to those who know the person—a lying tongue, rushing into evil, shedding blood. Others are less obvious. Haughty eyes show a harmful attitude, hearts that devise wicked schemes reveal an unhealthy thought life and someone who stirs up conflict may do so in subtle and non-obvious ways.
While many find they can easily avoid the obvious sins, and keep up the appearance of being a trustworthy person, other less obvious factors may betray them. Such as their attitude, opinions and harbouring grudges that lead to conflict.
David asks, “who can discern their own errors?” (Psalm 19:12). Indeed, we’re good at excusing our behaviour and can completely overlook how our actions have impacted others. David also prays that God would keep him from willful sins (verse 13). Sometimes we knowingly do the wrong thing, but even then, we may believe we have good reasons to do so. David concludes the Psalm: “May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer” (verse 14).
David knew only God could cleanse his heart. God alone, knows our motives and he alone has the power to purify them. It’s by giving him access to our hearts and minds, by asking him to cleanse our thoughts and attitudes, and by being willing to forgive, that we can be pleasing in his sight.
