Do you really hate evil?

Proverbs 8:13, 34-36

13 “The [reverent] fear and worshipful awe of the Lord includes the hatred of evil;

Pride and arrogance and the evil way,

And the perverted mouth, I hate.

34 “Blessed [happy, prosperous, to be admired] is the man who listens to me,

Watching daily at my gates,

Waiting at my doorposts.

35  “For whoever finds me (Wisdom) finds life

And obtains favor and grace from the Lord.

36 “But he who fails to find me or sins against me injures himself;

All those who hate me love and court death.”

Matthew Henry concise commentary

Surely we should hearken to Christ's voice with the readiness of children. Let us all be wise, and not refuse such mercy. Blessed are those who hear the Saviour's voice, and wait on him with daily reading, meditation, and prayer. The children of the world find time for vain amusements, without neglecting what they deem the one thing needful. Does it not show contempt of Wisdom's instructions, when people professing godliness, seek excuses for neglecting the means of grace? Christ is Wisdom, and he is Life to all believers; nor can we obtain God's favour, unless we find Christ, and are found in him. Those who offend Christ deceive themselves; sin is a wrong to the soul. Sinners die because they will die, which justifies God when he judges.

Miyagi’s commentary

Do you hate evil?  Every sin is evil, but not every believer hates every sin.  Some may condone it, tolerate it, have discussions about it, play with it, joke about it or even embrace it.  Some will save their pet sins for a rainy day.  But not all believers hate sin.

A true believer ought to love what God loves and hate what God hates.  Today’s Scripture in Proverbs 8:13 says that the fear of the Lord includes the hatred of evil.  Suffice to say that if a person doesn’t hate evil, he does not have the fear of the Lord.

For example, pride is really on the top of the totem pole.  God hates pride.  But spiritual pride is quite prevalent among church leaders.  They wear it like a badge.  And many so enjoy the power and authority that they have as a leader over the people  that they are secretly hoping that Jesus will not return soon.  They want to enjoy their power just a little bit longer.  God showed me this one day in prayer.

1 John 2:16 says:

For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.

Summary conclusion:

So subtle is the devil’s tactics that even church leaders fall into it without realizing it.  And if they are that way, what will become of those who sit at their feet regularly?

Psalm 73:6

Therefore pride is their necklace; Violence covers them like a garment [like a long, luxurious robe].

Matthew Henry concise commentary

Foolish and wicked people have sometimes a great share of outward prosperity. They seem to have the least share of the troubles of this life; and they seem to have the greatest share of its comforts. They live without the fear of God, yet they prosper, and get on in the world. Wicked men often spend their lives without much sickness, and end them without great pain; while many godly persons scarcely know what health is, and die with great sufferings. Often the wicked are not frightened, either by the remembrance of their sins, or the prospect of their misery, but they die without terror.

But let us learn that the true course of sanctification consists in cleansing a man from all pollution both of soul and body. The heart is cleansed by the blood of Christ laid hold upon by faith; and by the begun works of the Lord's Spirit, manifested in the hearty resolution, purpose, and study of holiness, and a blameless course of life and actions, the hands are cleansed. It is not in vain to serve God and keep his ordinances.

Miyagi’s commentary

The wicked wear their pride like a necklace.  And this is seen both inside the church and outside. How tragic.  The opposite of pride is humility.  And God loves true humility.  “....for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself [forsaking self-righteous pride] will be exalted.” Luke 18:14.  

Those who wear this necklace of pride are quick to judge, and look at the speck in another’s eye.  They speak from their own understanding.  They are very carnal, fleshly because they are trained that way.  They quickly point at other’s sins but they are blind to their own sins.  

There is so much more grace for those who are humble.  And how does one come to that point?  By dying to self daily, and by yielding to the Lord Jesus Christ.  That is wisdom.   If you would allow the Lord Jesus to have His way with you, you will do well and escape pride.  

So measure every word.  Do not speak unless it is important.  Speak  to build up and strengthen.  The theology of the wicked  is on self righteousness.  They boast of themselves, thinking that they are in a higher position and hide behind their titles.    

We are instructed by the Word of God: Do not walk in step with the wicked nor stand in the way of sinners nor sit in the seat of mockers.  We are to separate ourselves.  The wicked are like chaff and the wind blows them away.  They are not allowed to sit in the assembly of the righteous.  The Lord knows and watches over everything.  He will cover and protect the righteous.  But the wicked are doomed and damned to destruction.

When freak accidents occur or health challenges arise, know that it is not just an accident but a warning from God.  At that moment, there should be a time for introspection to examine one’s own heart.  Nothing can be taken for granted.

According to Watchman Nee, these are referred to as assumptions that it is sufficient enough merely to be saved with no spiritual appetite. Many believers are unwilling to pay the price for advancement in the kingdom of God.  This is typical of a church that is filled with over-stuffed big babies (Watchman Nee, 85).

There are pastors who condone smoking, which is detrimental to the health, and also defies the temple of God.  This is evil that has misguided the pastor by condoning sin or overlooking it.  And it is subject to judgement from the Lord.  In coming back to the basics, what is the purpose of your church? Is it just another social club?

Summary conclusion:

The wise and humble are destined for blessings from God.

The prideful are destined for destruction.  

The big picture:

If a professed believer doesn't really hate evil, it may be because he really doesn't love God.

The byword:

If you don’t destroy your pride, your pride will eventually destroy you.  

Miyagi