Proverbs 6:16-18 ESV
“There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him… (4,5 &6 abominations) hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil…”

The sixth commandment tells us, “You shall not murder” (Exodus 20:13). That includes abortion, because it is murder to kill an unborn child.

There are many ways that someone might be guilty of shedding innocent blood. Maybe a drunk driver strikes and kills someone else in another car. Perhaps, someone gets so full of rage that they hurt and kill another person. Murder can be committed in many ways. You can murder by the poisonous venom of hatred and bitterness.

Jesus said that anyone who is angry with someone else unreasonably without offering room for forgiveness commits a sin equivalent to murder. A heart that devises wicked schemes is: Thinking or conceiving evil against any individual or group for personal benefit.

The heart of an evil man continually schemes to bring others to ruin, whether physically or spiritually. God hates not only a heart that makes wicked plans but also the feet that carry out those plans.

Evil thoughts and imaginations are nurtured and fed, they eventually lead to outward acts of sin. Our feet follow where our hearts and minds and thoughts have already gone.

Prayer:

Father, never let me harm by word or deed. Keep my heart, hands and feet in check!