What God Hates

They that are of a froward heart are abomination to the LORD:But such as are upright in their way are his delight.

Proverbs 11:20 (KJV)

Ladies, we need to think deeply about what this says. There are things that God really hates, and there are things that bless him so much, he is actually delighted. This is an astounding and inviting concept—that we personally can bring delight to the God who created the stars!

Hmm, let’s see: to be an abomination or a delight? What should we choose?

First, what is it that is an abomination to God? A froward heart is an abomination. Froward is an old-fashioned word for distorted and false.

One of my least favorite moments for women in the Bible is found in Genesis 27. Rebekah influenced her son Jacob to lie to and deceive his father so that he could receive the blessing planned for his older brother. Jacob did not feel good about it and feared the deception would bring trouble. His mother said to him, “My son, let the curse fall on me. Just do what I say” (Genesis 27:13, NIV). Well, if you read the story, you learn that he did, but it did create a great breach in the family. Jacob had to flee from his brother’s anger, and Rebekah never saw her son again. She thought she could do a wrong thing and it would turn out right—but she was wrong.

So, in contrast, let’s look at what God does love. First Peter 3:3-4 says, “Let your adornment be . . . the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God” (NKJV).

Make It Personal . . . Live It Out!

To be froward is to be distorted, false. To be upright is to be sound, wholesome, innocent, having integrity. God hates one and loves the other. The truth is, so does everyone else. Those who know you best, behind the scenes—what would they say? Do your kids see you distort the truth and make compromises? Do you tell them to do one thing while you do the other? Do they hear you blame your husband (or ex-husband) for your bad attitude? God hates these things, and so do your kids. Just putting it frankly, it’s time to knock it off!

One Year Bible Reading

Numbers 30:1–31:54; Luke 4:1-30; Psalm 63:1-11; Proverbs 11:20-21