Bay Area Ministers of Reconciliation

Bay Area Ministers of Reconciliation The ministry of Bay Area Ministers Of Reconciliation is to assist the local church to do the work of discipleship and counseling for its people.

Bay Area Ministers of Reconciliation offers
sound counseling from a Biblical perspective. Serving the community in and around Clear Lake, TX. The ministry of Bay Area Ministers Of Reconciliation is to assist the local church to do the work of discipleship and counseling for its people, by equipped biblical counselors based solely on the sufficiency of Scripture. We accomplish this through God’s b

iblical framework, training resources, and counseling. Bay Area Ministers of Reconciliation (BAMOR) was founded in 2012 by Robert Lemley, a certified Biblical Framework Counselor with over 22 years of biblical counseling experience. BAMOR is located in League City, Texas and offers counseling in several locations throughout the Clear Lake, Texas Bay Area.

Here’s a thoughtful commentary on Proverbs 17:15 (ESV):“He who justifies the wicked and he who condemns the righteous ar...
08/18/2025

Here’s a thoughtful commentary on Proverbs 17:15 (ESV):
“He who justifies the wicked and he who condemns the righteous are both alike an abomination to the Lord.”



Commentary:

This proverb cuts directly to the heart of God’s concern for justice and truth. It presents two grave distortions of justice: justifying the wicked and condemning the righteous. Both represent perversions of judgment that God calls an “abomination.”
1. The Balance of Justice
• The proverb highlights the necessity of fairness in judgment. To call evil “good” or to punish the innocent is not simply a human error—it is something God detests. Justice is a reflection of His character, and when humans invert it, they directly oppose His holiness.
2. Justifying the Wicked
• To acquit the guilty is to excuse sin and enable further wrongdoing. This could happen through bribery, corruption, favoritism, or fear of man. When the wicked are cleared, the community suffers because sin gains strength and the weak remain vulnerable.
3. Condemning the Righteous
• On the other hand, to punish the innocent is equally destructive. It brings pain to those who do good, discourages righteousness, and mocks the very concept of truth. Scripture shows examples of this: Naboth condemned by false witnesses (1 Kings 21), Jesus condemned by corrupt leaders (Mark 14–15), and countless prophets silenced by unjust rulers.
4. Both Are Alike an Abomination
• The pairing is intentional: whether one promotes evil by excusing it, or suppresses good by punishing it, the end result is a world turned upside down. God is not neutral; He abhors both perversions equally. Human courts may fail, but His judgment will be perfect and final.
5. Christ as the Fulfillment
• Interestingly, at the cross we see this proverb turned inside out: Jesus, the Righteous One, was condemned as a sinner, while guilty humanity was justified through Him. But unlike corrupt human courts, this was God’s redemptive plan—where justice and mercy meet (Romans 3:26). What is abominable when done by men became the miracle of salvation when accomplished by God, because it was done on the basis of Christ’s sacrifice.



✅ Application:
• For leaders, judges, and all who wield authority: seek integrity, never bending truth for gain or fear.
• For believers: avoid partiality in personal judgments of others. Speak truth even when inconvenient, defend the innocent, and oppose evil without compromise.
• Ultimately, look to Christ as the true Judge who will one day set all things right.

Here’s a commentary on Proverbs 16:15 (ESV):“In the light of a king’s face there is life, and his favor is like the clou...
08/16/2025

Here’s a commentary on Proverbs 16:15 (ESV):

“In the light of a king’s face there is life, and his favor is like the clouds that bring the spring rain.”



This proverb paints a vivid picture of the power and blessing that flows from the favor of a king. In ancient times, the expression on a ruler’s face could mean life or death. If the king was pleased and smiled, it meant acceptance, safety, and blessing. But if his face showed anger, it could mean rejection or punishment. Here, the writer describes the king’s favor as “the light of his face,” a symbol of warmth, vitality, and encouragement. Just as sunlight brings life to creation, so a ruler’s goodwill brings stability and peace to his people.

The second line deepens the imagery: the king’s favor is like “clouds that bring the spring rain.” In Israel’s climate, rain was essential for crops and survival. Spring rains meant refreshment, fruitfulness, and the hope of harvest. The proverb suggests that just as rain sustains physical life, so the blessing of a wise and favorable ruler sustains the well-being of a nation.

On a deeper level, this verse can also be seen as pointing to the ultimate King—God Himself. His “face” shining upon us is a frequent biblical image of blessing (Numbers 6:25–26). When God turns His face toward us with favor, He brings spiritual life, renewal, and abundance. Just as people longed for the favor of a good earthly king, believers long for the smile of their heavenly King, whose grace refreshes our souls like rain on dry ground.

Application:
• For leaders: this verse reminds us of the incredible impact of our attitude and favor toward others. Just as the king’s expression could bring life or dread, the way leaders carry themselves deeply affects those under their care.
• For believers: we are called to seek the face of God above all else. His favor gives true life, and His grace is the rain that revives our weary hearts.

Here’s a detailed commentary on Proverbs 15:14 (ESV):⸻Verse:“The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, but...
08/15/2025

Here’s a detailed commentary on Proverbs 15:14 (ESV):



Verse:

“The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouths of fools feed on folly.”

Context & Structure

This proverb continues the contrast seen throughout Proverbs between the wise and the foolish, but here the emphasis is on what each person “feeds on” — what they pursue, consume, and internalize.

It has two parallel but opposite ideas:
1. The wise hunger for truth and understanding.
2. The fool feeds on foolishness and error.



Phrase-by-Phrase Commentary

1. “The heart of him who has understanding”
• In Hebrew thought, the heart is not merely emotions — it represents the inner person, including mind, will, and desires.
• The “one who has understanding” is not just smart; they are spiritually perceptive, discerning, and teachable.
• This type of person sees wisdom as a treasure and knows there is always more to learn.

2. “Seeks knowledge”
• “Seeks” is active — it’s not passive learning. This person goes after truth with intention.
• Knowledge here is not just information; it refers to truth grounded in God’s Word and applied to life.
• This reflects humility — the wise know they don’t know it all.

3. “But the mouths of fools feed on folly”
• “Mouths” here represents speech, but also suggests appetite — what they talk about is what they consume mentally and spiritually.
• “Feed on” means to relish or consume continually. This is their diet.
• “Folly” refers to moral foolishness — things that reject God’s wisdom, encourage sin, or distract from righteousness.
• Fools not only stumble into foolishness — they seek it, enjoy it, and sustain themselves on it.



Key Themes
1. Appetite for Wisdom vs. Appetite for Folly – What we hunger for determines the health of our soul.
2. Learning is a Lifelong Pursuit – Wise people never “arrive”; they remain teachable.
3. Influence of Our Intake – What we take in will eventually come out in our words, attitudes, and actions.



Application
• For Believers: Evaluate your “mental and spiritual diet.” Are you filling your heart with God’s truth through Scripture, prayer, and godly counsel, or feeding on entertainment, gossip, and worldly thinking?
• In Relationships: Surround yourself with people who seek knowledge, because your own appetite for wisdom will grow by proximity.
• Daily Practice: Start your day with something that builds wisdom rather than folly — even 10 minutes in God’s Word changes the day’s trajectory.



Cross-References
• Proverbs 18:15 – “An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.”
• Hosea 4:6 – “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.”
• Philippians 4:8 – Paul’s “thought diet” list: whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable — think on these things.

Here’s a detailed commentary on Proverbs 14:15 (ESV):“The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to h...
08/15/2025

Here’s a detailed commentary on Proverbs 14:15 (ESV):

“The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps.”



1. Understanding the Terms
• The simple – In Proverbs, “simple” doesn’t mean innocent; it refers to someone naïve, inexperienced, or undiscerning. This person tends to accept things at face value without weighing truth or motive.
• Believes everything – This is not a commendation of faith, but a warning against gullibility. The simple person is too quick to trust appearances, words, or promises without testing them.
• The prudent – The opposite of “simple.” This person uses wisdom, discernment, and foresight.
• Gives thought to his steps – Rather than rushing ahead, the prudent person examines the path before walking it, considering consequences and seeking truth before acting.



2. The Contrast

This proverb paints a clear picture of two approaches to life:
• Gullible living: Believing anything one hears, whether rumor, flattery, false teaching, or deceitful promises.
• Discerning living: Exercising careful judgment before accepting claims or making decisions.

It’s a call to move from unthinking acceptance toward deliberate discernment.



3. Biblical Context & Parallels
• Proverbs 1:22 warns the “simple” about loving simplicity instead of seeking wisdom.
• 1 Thessalonians 5:21 commands, “Test everything; hold fast what is good.”
• Matthew 10:16 shows Jesus telling His disciples to be “wise as serpents and innocent as doves”—blending purity with discernment.



4. Practical Applications
• In faith – Avoid accepting every spiritual claim without testing it against Scripture (Acts 17:11). Many false teachings flourish because people “believe everything” without checking the source.
• In relationships – Don’t trust every flattering word; discern people’s character through their actions over time.
• In decision-making – Don’t rush into opportunities, investments, or partnerships without considering the long-term path.
• In media & culture – In an age of misinformation, this verse reminds us not to share or believe every headline or post we see.



5. Timeless Principle

Discernment is not cynicism. The prudent person isn’t suspicious of everything—but they pause long enough to ask,

“Is this true? Is it wise? Does it align with God’s principles?”

The simple person lives by impulse; the prudent lives by tested truth.

Here’s a thoughtful commentary on Proverbs 13:14 (ESV):“The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, that one may tur...
08/13/2025

Here’s a thoughtful commentary on Proverbs 13:14 (ESV):

“The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, that one may turn away from the snares of death.”



Context & Meaning

This proverb emphasizes the life-giving nature of godly wisdom and instruction. In ancient Israel, a “fountain” was a rare and precious source of continual refreshment, essential for survival. Here, Solomon likens the teaching of the wise to such a fountain—it sustains, renews, and preserves life. In contrast, the “snares of death” are the traps of sin, folly, and spiritual destruction.



Key Phrases
• “The teaching of the wise”
This refers not just to intellectual knowledge, but to godly counsel rooted in the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 9:10). It’s wisdom applied to daily living—truth that shapes character and decisions.
• “Is a fountain of life”
Just as water sustains physical life, wisdom sustains spiritual and moral life. It revives the weary, strengthens the weak, and keeps a person from spiritual drought.
• “That one may turn away from the snares of death”
The wise person’s instruction acts as a warning system. It reveals danger before it’s too late—whether that danger is moral compromise, destructive habits, or eternal separation from God.



Practical Applications
1. Seek and value wise counsel
Who we listen to shapes where we end up. Surround yourself with people whose words are rooted in God’s truth.
2. Be a fountain to others
If you’ve gained insight through God’s Word and life experience, share it generously—it could save someone from a spiritual trap.
3. Recognize wisdom’s protective role
Godly teaching is not just for inspiration but for protection. It keeps us from choices that lead to regret or ruin.



Cross-References
• Proverbs 10:11 – “The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life…”
• John 4:14 – Jesus offers living water that springs up to eternal life.
• Psalm 119:105 – God’s Word as a lamp to our feet, keeping us from stumbling into danger.



Summary

Proverbs 13:14 reminds us that wisdom is not just nice to have—it’s a matter of life and death. The wise person’s teaching brings refreshment and vitality while steering others away from destruction. It’s a call to drink deeply from God’s truth and to let that truth flow to others.

Here’s a detailed commentary on Proverbs 12:14 (ESV):“From the fruit of his mouth a man is satisfied with good, and the ...
08/12/2025

Here’s a detailed commentary on Proverbs 12:14 (ESV):

“From the fruit of his mouth a man is satisfied with good, and the work of a man’s hand comes back to him.”



1. Context in Proverbs

Proverbs 12 is a collection of wise sayings contrasting the righteous and the wicked, the diligent and the lazy, the truth-speaker and the liar. Verse 14 ties together two central themes of the chapter:
1. The power of words (what we say brings results).
2. The principle of sowing and reaping (our labor returns to us in kind).



2. “From the fruit of his mouth a man is satisfied with good”
• “Fruit” here symbolizes the results or outcomes of speech—much like a tree produces fruit, our words produce results over time (Proverbs 18:20-21).
• A righteous, wise person’s words bring blessings—peace, encouragement, truth, and sometimes correction that leads to life.
• “Satisfied with good” means there is a deep personal benefit from speaking what is right. This satisfaction may come through:
• Healthy relationships built on trust.
• Opportunities opened by wise speech.
• God’s approval and blessing for speaking truth in love.
• This also implies that harmful or deceitful words will eventually bear bad fruit (Galatians 6:7).



3. “The work of a man’s hand comes back to him”
• This speaks to the principle of return—what you put into your labor will circle back to you in results or rewards.
• It could be financial provision, the satisfaction of a job well done, or a good reputation from consistent diligence.
• This aligns with the biblical principle that God blesses honest, diligent work (Proverbs 10:4; Ecclesiastes 9:10; Colossians 3:23-24).
• Negative example: lazy or dishonest work will also “return” to a person—just in the form of loss, hardship, or consequences.



4. Combined Meaning

The verse presents a twofold reward system:
1. The reward for right speech—good words lead to good outcomes, not just for others, but for ourselves.
2. The reward for right work—honest labor eventually benefits the one who labors.

Both our mouths and our hands are channels of either blessing or harm, depending on how we use them.



5. Application for Today
• Guard your words—Speak truth, encouragement, and wisdom, knowing they will bear fruit in your own life.
• Work with integrity—Diligent, honest labor will eventually come back as provision, trust, and stability.
• Be patient in results—Just like fruit and wages take time, so do the rewards of godly speech and labor.
• Spiritual angle—Ultimately, the “good” we are satisfied with is not only material but also the eternal joy of living in alignment with God’s wisdom.

Here’s a detailed commentary on Proverbs 11:14 (ESV):“Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of...
08/11/2025

Here’s a detailed commentary on Proverbs 11:14 (ESV):

“Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.”



1. Context in Proverbs

This proverb sits in a section of Solomon’s writings that deals with wisdom in daily life—covering morality, relationships, business dealings, and leadership. Here, the focus is on guidance and counsel, particularly in the context of leadership and decision-making.



2. Key Words and Phrases
• “No guidance” – The Hebrew word here (tahbūlōth) can be translated as “steering,” “direction,” or “wise counsel.” It evokes the image of a ship without a captain or rudder—vulnerable to drifting into danger.
• “A people falls” – This is more than individual failure; it implies national, communal, or group collapse due to poor leadership or lack of planning.
• “Abundance of counselors” – The term suggests a variety of trusted, wise advisors, not just a crowd of opinions. The safety comes from quality counsel rather than sheer numbers.
• “Safety” – Can mean deliverance, victory, or protection from harm.



3. Meaning and Application

This proverb reminds us that wise decision-making is rarely a solo effort. Even leaders with great skill and vision need the insight and experience of others.
• In leadership – A leader who isolates himself and ignores counsel will likely lead his people into trouble. History is filled with examples of kings, presidents, or CEOs who fell because they refused to listen.
• In personal life – Big life decisions—marriage, career moves, major financial investments—benefit from seeking godly counsel.
• In spiritual life – Discipleship flourishes when believers live in community, humbly seeking input from those who walk closely with God.



4. Biblical Cross-References
• Proverbs 15:22 – “Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.”
• Exodus 18:17–24 – Jethro advising Moses to appoint leaders to share the burden of judging Israel.
• Acts 15:1–21 – The Jerusalem Council’s collective wisdom resolving a major church dispute.



5. Christ-Centered Insight

Jesus Himself modeled this principle. Before choosing the twelve apostles, He spent all night in prayer (Luke 6:12–13), showing dependence on His Father’s counsel. The church He established is a body—not one person making all decisions, but many members working together under His headship.



6. Practical Takeaways
• Don’t isolate – Pride or fear can keep us from seeking advice, but both are dangerous.
• Choose wise voices – Safety comes from godly, trustworthy counselors, not just agreeable ones.
• Listen fully – Getting counsel means being willing to adjust your course, not just hearing advice and ignoring it.
• Apply humility – It takes humility to admit you don’t have all the answers.

Here’s a commentary on Proverbs 10:13 (ESV) says:“On the lips of him who has understanding, wisdom is found, but a rod ...
08/10/2025

Here’s a commentary on Proverbs 10:13 (ESV) says:

“On the lips of him who has understanding, wisdom is found, but a rod is for the back of him who lacks sense.”



Commentary

This proverb draws a sharp contrast between two types of people—those who speak with understanding and those who reject wisdom—and shows both the fruit and the consequences of each path.



1. “On the lips of him who has understanding, wisdom is found”
• The one who has understanding doesn’t just possess knowledge—they express it in their words. Wisdom shapes how they speak, making their words truthful, gracious, and beneficial.
• Jesus taught that “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45). If a person’s heart is rooted in God’s truth, wisdom will naturally flow from their lips.
• The presence of wisdom in speech is a blessing not only to the speaker but also to those who hear (Proverbs 16:24).



2. “But a rod is for the back of him who lacks sense”
• In biblical imagery, the “rod” often refers to discipline or correction. Here it implies that the person who refuses wisdom ends up learning only through consequences—sometimes painful ones.
• Lacking sense (“without heart” in Hebrew) is not about low intelligence, but about moral and spiritual foolishness—a stubborn refusal to live by God’s ways.
• Such a person’s life often requires external discipline—whether that’s the correction of parents, civil authority, or the natural results of bad choices.



3. The Broader Lesson
• The proverb shows that wisdom is not neutral—it’s either embraced and expressed in life-giving ways or rejected and replaced by the school of hard knocks.
• Wise speech blesses others and strengthens relationships; foolishness invites correction and often brings public shame.
• God’s design is that we learn willingly from His Word rather than stubbornly through painful consequences.



4. Application
• Guard your words—make sure they’re shaped by Scripture and humility.
• Seek understanding before speaking, knowing that our words reflect the condition of our heart.
• Receive correction as an opportunity to grow, so you don’t need the “rod” of repeated consequences.



Summary: Proverbs 10:13 reminds us that wisdom is revealed not just in what we know, but in what we say. A wise person uses words to build up and guide, while a foolish person invites correction through careless, stubborn living. God calls us to let His truth so fill our hearts that wisdom overflows from our lips.

Here’s a commentary on Proverbs 9:13 (ESV) says:“The woman Folly is loud; she is seductive and knows nothing.”Commentar...
08/09/2025

Here’s a commentary on Proverbs 9:13 (ESV) says:

“The woman Folly is loud; she is seductive and knows nothing.”

Commentary

This verse contrasts directly with the earlier portion of Proverbs 9, where Lady Wisdom is depicted as gracious, prepared, and life-giving. Now Solomon turns to describe Folly—a personification of foolishness, moral recklessness, and sin.
1. “The woman Folly is loud”
The Hebrew word here suggests being boisterous, restless, and noisy. Folly doesn’t speak with quiet reason but shouts to be noticed, drowning out wise voices. This noise reflects the world’s constant distractions—entertainment, temptation, and shallow pleasures—that compete for our attention.
2. “She is seductive”
The term points to alluring behavior, appealing to sinful desires. Folly promises excitement, freedom, and satisfaction, but these are deceptive. This echoes Proverbs 7’s warning about the adulterous woman who entices the simple with smooth words, leading them into destruction.
3. “And knows nothing”
Folly has confidence but no true understanding. She speaks with an air of authority, yet her counsel is rooted in ignorance. This is the danger of being persuaded by charm or popularity instead of truth—what sounds thrilling may be hollow and deadly.
4. The Contrast with Wisdom
Lady Wisdom in verses 1–6 builds her house, prepares a feast, and invites people to life. The woman Folly in verses 13–18 offers stolen pleasures and secret sins, but her house leads to death. The two women stand for two life paths: the way of wisdom and the way of destruction.
5. Application for Today
Folly’s voice is still loud in our world—through media, culture, and even relationships that draw us away from God’s truth. Her volume and seduction can make her seem appealing, but her ignorance means she cannot guide anyone toward life. A wise believer learns to recognize her voice quickly and turn toward the quiet, steady call of wisdom.

Summary: Proverbs 9:13 warns that folly is flashy, tempting, and ignorant. Her allure lies in her noise and promises, but she offers nothing of lasting value. Only wisdom—rooted in God’s truth—leads to real life.

Here’s a commentary on Proverbs 8:15 (ESV) says:“By me kings reign, and rulers decree what is just.”CommentaryThis vers...
08/08/2025

Here’s a commentary on Proverbs 8:15 (ESV) says:

“By me kings reign, and rulers decree what is just.”

Commentary

This verse is part of Proverbs 8, where wisdom is personified and speaks as if she herself is addressing the hearer. Wisdom here is not merely human insight, but God’s divine wisdom—eternal, pure, and active in creation and governance.
1. Wisdom as the Source of Authority
When the verse says, “By me kings reign”, it teaches that the stability and legitimacy of any ruler’s authority ultimately come from God’s wisdom, not from their own cleverness or power. This reflects the biblical truth that all authority is established by God (Romans 13:1), and those who govern well do so because they are guided—consciously or not—by the principles of His wisdom.
2. Justice Requires Wisdom
The second part, “and rulers decree what is just,” highlights that true justice cannot exist apart from wisdom. It’s possible for a ruler to make laws, but only God’s wisdom ensures those laws are truly right and equitable. Without wisdom, leadership quickly drifts into tyranny, favoritism, or corruption.
3. Application for Leaders and Followers
While this verse speaks directly about kings and rulers, its principle applies to anyone in a position of influence—parents, teachers, business owners, pastors, or community leaders. Leading well requires humbling oneself before God, seeking His counsel, and allowing His Word to shape decisions.
4. Christ as the Fulfillment of Wisdom
In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is described as the wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 1:24). Therefore, by Him—Christ—leaders can truly reign in righteousness, and only through Him can ultimate justice be established (Isaiah 9:6–7). Earthly rulers are limited and flawed, but Christ reigns with perfect wisdom forever.

Summary: Proverbs 8:15 reminds us that God’s wisdom is the foundation of all good leadership and justice. Whether we lead nations or households, our authority and ability to do what’s right flow from aligning ourselves with His wisdom, revealed fully in Christ.

Here’s a commentary on Proverbs 7:13 (ESV):“She seizes him and kisses him, and with bold face she says to him,”Commenta...
08/07/2025

Here’s a commentary on Proverbs 7:13 (ESV):
“She seizes him and kisses him, and with bold face she says to him,”

Commentary:

This verse is part of a vivid and cautionary narrative in Proverbs 7, where Solomon warns his son (and all readers) about the seductive and destructive power of sexual temptation, personified in the form of an adulterous woman.

1. “She seizes him and kisses him”

These actions are sudden and aggressive. The Hebrew word for “seizes” (חָזְקָה־בּוֹ) implies forcefulness and control. This is not mutual affection—it’s seduction by surprise, overwhelming the young man’s resistance. The kiss adds to the sensual appeal and further entices him into emotional and physical vulnerability.

This speaks to the power of temptation to catch someone off-guard—especially someone who is spiritually or morally unprepared. It reflects the way sin often approaches: not with a warning, but with a sudden and emotionally charged appeal.

2. “With bold face she says to him”

The term “bold face” can also be translated as “brazen” or “shameless.” There is no hesitation, no sense of guilt or modesty. This woman is confident and assertive in her immorality. The lack of shame indicates a hardened conscience. She is not only committing sin but is comfortable in it and persuasive in drawing others into it.

This boldness is contrasted in Scripture with the humility and modesty that are characteristic of wisdom and righteousness. A “bold face” here reveals someone who has become calloused to sin—someone who has perhaps sinned so often that they no longer feel conviction.



Application:

Proverbs 7:13 is a warning about the way temptation operates—how it often comes with passion, confidence, and without warning. The passage doesn’t just warn against adultery; it illustrates the subtle, yet powerful tactics that lead a person into sin.

For believers, this verse calls for:
• Discernment: Recognize when temptation is not just subtle, but seductive and overpowering.
• Preparedness: Don’t linger near temptation (Proverbs 7:8 warns that the young man “passes along the street near her corner”).
• Moral strength: Flee from sin before it grabs hold of you—don’t wait until it’s already too late.



Cross-References:
• Genesis 39:12 – Joseph “left his garment in her hand and fled” when Potiphar’s wife tried to seduce him. A powerful contrast to the young man in Proverbs 7.
• James 1:14-15 – Temptation gives birth to sin, and sin brings forth death. Proverbs 7 shows this process in vivid story form.
• 1 Corinthians 6:18 – “Flee from sexual immorality.” Paul echoes the urgency Proverbs communicates.

Here’s a commentary on Proverbs 6:16 (ESV):“There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to ...
08/06/2025

Here’s a commentary on Proverbs 6:16 (ESV):
“There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him:”



Commentary:

This verse introduces a literary device common in Hebrew poetry known as numerical parallelism (“six… seven”), which is used for emphasis and to signal a complete or full list of serious offenses. The point is not a mathematical one, but rhetorical—God intensely opposes all that follows in the list.

The word “hates” is striking. It reminds us that God’s nature is not indifferent to sin. Though God is love (1 John 4:8), His love does not nullify His holiness or justice. In fact, His hatred for sin flows from His perfect love—He opposes whatever destroys or corrupts what He loves.

The shift from “six” to “seven” signals that the list about to follow (in verses 17–19) is weighty, complete, and worth paying close attention to. These are not just private faults or minor character flaws—these are “abominations”, a word used to describe what is utterly detestable and revolting in God’s eyes.

This verse serves as a sobering warning and a call to self-examination. The passage isn’t meant to make us guess whether we’re doing “okay” by not doing most of the things in the list. Rather, it calls for humility, repentance, and a heart that desires to reflect God’s holiness in word, deed, and attitude.



Reflection:

God doesn’t just dislike sin—He hates it, and not arbitrarily. Each sin that follows in the next verses (pride, lying, shedding innocent blood, etc.) harms others, opposes His truth, and breaks fellowship with Him. As believers, we’re called not only to avoid such actions but also to hate what God hates (Romans 12:9) and cling to what is good.

This verse should stir both reverence and gratitude: reverence, because of God’s uncompromising holiness; gratitude, because Christ bore the penalty for all these sins on the cross for those who trust in Him.

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League City, TX

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