Hating Evil

“I, Wisdom, live with insight,
and I acquire knowledge and foresight.
To fear the Lord is to hate evil.
I hate pride, arrogance, evil behavior, and twisted speech.
Advice and priceless wisdom are mine.
I, Understanding, have strength." (Proverbs 8:12-14 GW)

Proverbs 8

(Context—Proverbs 8:12-21 GW)

Evil is real and present in our world. Evil is typically characterized as moral vileness or violent and intimidating power. But not all evil is that obvious.

Evil is often more subtle and secretive. It doesn't want to be exposed. It doesn't want to be discovered nor accept responsibility for its own evil nature and actions.

This was a conclusion determined by famed author and psychiatrist, M Scott Peck MD, in his book, "People of the Lie."

It's also what is revealed in the Bible about the first instance of lying and the introduction of sin into the world. The devil appeared to the first humans as a clever talking creature who convinced them to believe a lie—that God was holding out some great thing from them. It was a lie then and still is a lie (Gen 3:1-10).

I've encountered several people who seemed to be good people—morally and spiritually—yet were evil in nature. Some were leaders and Bible teachers in church ministry.

When their true nature revealed itself, it was apparent they loved themselves above all. They didn't fear God.

To fear God isn't to be filled with an anxious fear of Him—it's based on trust and respect. Wisdom hates evil as it says here—

I hate pride, arrogance, evil behavior, and twisted speech. (Prov 8:13 GW)

When a person doesn't fear the Lord, they are filled with pride and arrogance which results in evil behavior and twisted speech—lies and actions based on lies. They avoid responsibility for their own sin and wicked ulterior motives.

The only protection from such evil is to acquire wisdom and insight from God. Here is what Wisdom says—

I love those who love me. Those eagerly looking for me will find me. (Prov 8:17 GW)

Last week, I wrote about Wisdom calling out to us and our need to listen and heed it.

Reflection—

Do you love the wisdom of God? Do you fear God in the biblical sense? God's wisdom is more than able to keep you from falling into evil and give you discernment when you come into the presence of those who are evil in nature.