Proverbs 24:9
|
The thought of foolishness is sin: and the scorner is an abomination to men.
|
Two rules of wisdom are here. Even foolish thoughts are sin in God's sight. Men think their imaginations are their own, but they forget such thoughts are sin against God, Who sees them all. And the scorner, a person despising teachers and correction, is hated by good men. For he causes constant strife, and removing him brings joy and peace (22:10).
The Pharisees formalized hypocrisy by excusing evil thoughts, as long as the actual sin was avoided! Both hating a person in your heart and lusting after another man's wife were fine, if physical murder and adultery were avoided (Matt 5:21,27)! But Jesus said that unjustified anger and lusting after another woman were murder and adultery in His sight (Matt 5:22,28)! He is the holy Lord! Tremble before Him, even in your thoughts!
Foolishness is conduct without regard for God or His wisdom, which is sin (19:3; 22:15; Ps 14:1). Even foolish talking - evil, filthy, frivolous, or jesting speech - is condemned, and God will soon judge the world for it (Eph 5:3-7). God hates folly! And He knows a man's heart to be the source of his character and conduct (Matt 12:34-35; 15:18-20).
Sexual fantasies are universal, but God condemns them. Sexual sins are folly (Gen 34:7; Deut 22:21; II Sam 13:12), and to imagine such folly is sin. Job said he would not think upon a maid (Job 31:1), and Solomon warned his son not to lust after strange women even in his heart (6:25). God ponders man's goings, including those involving sex (5:21).
Envy, hatred, and pride are also popular thoughts. Men, and women, love to despise others and exalt themselves in their hearts. In fact, most envy, hate, and pride are limited to the heart (Jas 3:14-16). But the Lord condemns these evil and foolish thoughts as so much devilish murder and rebellion. Purify your hearts, ye double minded (Jas 4:8)!
A scorner is a pain and a problem. Their arrogant rejection of correction and instruction make them impossible to teach (9:7-8). Their conceited resentment of teachers and reprovers make peace impossible (22:10). They must be avoided or cast out. It is only natural and right for men to hate them, for they cause constant strife and trouble with any authority. They are worse than a fool, for they are conceited in their ignorance (26:12)!
Reader, here are two matters of wisdom. First, keep your heart with all diligence, for sin begins with foolish thoughts (4:23; Jas 1:13-16). Search your heart and thoughts by prayer for any evil there (Ps 139:23-24). Second, love instruction and reproof to avoid being a scorner. Humble yourself before the blessed God, His Word, and His teachers.
www.letgodbetrue.com
