Whoever walks in uprightness fears the Lord,
but he who is devious in his ways despises him.
Proverbs 14:2 ESV
I want to focus on the second clause in this verse. “… but he who is devious in his ways despises [the Lord].” This reveals God’s view of sin, and perhaps our own weak view of the sinfulness of sin. Sometimes we may think, “A little lie is not right, but it certainly doesn’t mean I despise the Lord.” Well, this verse argues against that effort to minimize the nature of sin. I don’t think we sit around thinking about these kinds of things, but perhaps we should.
How does being devious indicate that I despise the Lord? Primarily because it means that my affections are for that which is the opposite of the Lord. Jesus said that we can’t serve two masters (Mt. 6:24), but so often we try to do just that. We try to serve the flesh and the spirit. We chase death, but want life.
Think back over the last week or so. Have you done, said, or thought things that suggest you despise the Lord? If so, did you recognize it on the moment, or are you realizing it now after seeing the connection in this verse?
Lord, please help to see – in real time – how my actions/thoughts/words betray my love for you.
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