WHAT ARE THE SEVEN DEADLY SINS?

 

The Bible does not specifically describe a set of “seven deadly sins.” However, it does give us a “list” if you will of “Seven Sins Of The Wicked.” It is not an exhaustive list nor are they unforgivable sins. Any sin, truly confessed and genuinely repented of, is readily and completely forgiven by Jesus Christ. The only unforgivable sin is the sin of rejecting Christ. The seven sins of the wicked are found in Proverbs 6: 16-19 which reads:

 

“These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.”

 

You will note that pride is first in the list. Whenever God sees pride in the heart, He hates it. Then, next to pride, nothing is more an abomination to God than a lying tongue. You see, everything about God is pure truth. Truth is sacred to God and He hates a lying tongue. This means that all true Christians, too, should hate and abhor lying. Next is Cruelty. Hands that shed innocent blood are hateful to God. Cruelty in any form is a terrible thing and God abhors all cruelty in all forms. Next, we are told that God hates a heart that purposely devises wickedness and a heart that is filled with wicked imaginations. Such is an abomination to God. Also listed among those things that God hates is “feet that are swift in running to mischief.” This speaks of those who are actually eager to chase after sin and commit all sorts of wrong. Then there is bearing false-witness. It is a great affront to God to knowingly give a false testimony. Notice in these seven things God hates that two of them involve lying. And then finally it lists “those who sow discord.” This speaks of those who intentionally sow discord through gossip or any means possible for the purpose of carrying out their own evil schemes. They tell tales of made up stories and try to create jealousy between others. But ours is a God of love and thus He hates him that sows discord among brethren.

 

These seven things are hated by God because they are contrary to his nature, contrary to His will, and contrary to His law. They go against the very nature of God and His perfect righteousness, as does all sin. There are other things besides these that God hates but these are given because they are the most obvious in the person whose heart is far from God.

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- Mark Shutts