Craig T. Owens

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A heart that devises wicked schemes… (Proverbs 6:18). 

This is the item listed in the exact middle of the list “there are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to Him.” Check out the whole passage: 

There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to Him: [1] haughty eyes, [2] a lying tongue, [3] hands that shed innocent blood, [4] a heart that devises wicked schemes, [5] feet that are quick to rush into evil, [6] a false witness who pours out lies and [7] a man who stirs up dissension among brothers. (vv. 16-18) 

Now let’s follow this progression from the middle item outward: 

• …it begins in a devious heart—[4] 
• …it moves to the actions of the hands and feet—[3] and [5] 
• …it is excused or justified by lies—[2] and [6] 
• …it hardens into unrepentant pride that divides a community—[1] and [7]

The heart is the heart of the matter!

 Verse 18 is also the middle verse of this whole 6th chapter of Proverbs—

• it is a heart issue that leads to making rash vows (vv. 1-5) 
• it is a heart issue that causes a poor work ethic (vv. 6-11) 
• it is a heart issue that prompts double-talk, equivocation, and a lack of integrity (vv. 12-15) 
• it is a heart issue that takes a person spiraling down into adultery (vv. 20-35)

Let me repeat this principle: The heart is the heart of the matter! This is why Solomon told us in an earlier chapter, “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life” (Proverbs 4:23). 

But a wise person, who allows the Holy Spirit to correct sinful thoughts, can see a different outcome. With the Spirit’s help, it could look like this:

• …it begins in a heart sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s prompting—[4] 
• …it moves to the actions of the hands and feet—[3] and [5] 
• …it is demonstrated in truthful, loving words—[2] and [6] 
• …it promotes the humility that unites a community—[1] and [7]

Let’s make this our prayer: Holy Spirit, help me to guard my heart today. No compromising, no justifying, but just a quick obedience to Your prompts to repent and soften my heart. 

Let it start in your heart and just watch what happens. The heart IS the heart of the matter! 

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