Reflexive Denial

(Proverbs 6:18 KJV)  An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,

My “heart” (3820) “devises” (2790a) “plans” (4284).  The question is, “Are my plans “wicked” (205)?  We are looking at a list of things that God hates.  Notice the modifier.  God does not hate all hearts, nor does He hate all plans.  Just the ones that run counter to His will.

What kind of plans does my heart devise?  As I said in verse 14 devising is artisan type production.  I like the KJV word “imaginations” for “plans” (4284).  I can be so creative in finding ways around the clear commands that God gives.  For instance, we are told not to gossip.  Gossip is evil and destructive.  Gossips are on the lists of evil people condemned by God.  So I label my gossip as curiosity or concern.  I can’t pray for someone if I don’t know all the juicy details, right?  My heart devises evil plans to do what God has clearly said “No” to.

How many areas of our life can we find where this is the case?  Are we looking?  Making excuses not to examine our actions and motives is another evil plan.  There is only one way out of this and it is not by being clever.  It is by being repentant.

So?  The object of a verse like this is not to show us how we are going to hell and have not hope.  The object is to point out one by one the areas that we need to bring to Jesus for forgiveness, cleansing and empowerment.  Get started today.  Remember that you can’t put gas in your car unless you pull up to the pump.