Fear The Lord, Hate Evil

Read Proverbs 8

All who fear the LORD will hate evil. Therefore, I hate pride and arrogance, corruption and perverse speech.

Proverbs 8:13

In this verse, Wisdom is the speaker (see 8:12), calling out for people to listen. Wisdom knows that fear of the Lord and evil are mutually exclusive. One cannot “fear the Lord” and enjoy any form of evil. In fact, God’s people should “hate evil” in all its forms. Some of the forms of evil are outlined here: pride, arrogance, corruption, and perverse speech. These should be hated by people who love the Lord and desire wisdom.

Pride and arrogance refer to attitudes of superiority that usually result in offensive displays of haughtiness. These have no place among God’s people who are called to be humble (1 Peter 5:6). Corruption is moral depravity, dishonesty, perversion. A corrupt person is debased in character. In contrast, God’s people are to live above reproach (1 Peter 2:12). Perverse speech leads people astray and is improper. Believers’ words should always be good and helpful (Ephesians 4:29).

A WORD FOR TODAY

Exercise hatred toward evil.

Lord, teach me how to live to fear you and to hate evil. May I develop humility, may I live above reproach, and may my words be helpful to all to whom I speak.