Proverbs 6:18-19 (ESV)
18 a heart that devises wicked plans,
feet that make haste to run to evil,
19 a false witness who breathes out lies,
and one who sows discord among brothers.
We now see the fourth through the seventh in the list of the seven sins the Lord hates. Collectively they portray a person whose thoughts, actions, words, and influence are all bent toward harm. The fourth characteristic of this person is that he has “a heart that devises wicked plans.” The heart refers to the center of the will and intentions. The Hebrew word translated “devises” is ḥarash, which means to plot or plan secretly, often with evil intent. This is not careless sin. It is calculated. The person quietly considers how a scheme might work to his advantage.
The fifth description is “feet that make haste to run to evil.” This person does not simply consider wrongdoing but quickly moves toward it. There is a sense of urgency in his pursuit of sin. Picture someone running, unwilling to waste even a moment, propelled by eagerness, but eagerness for what is wrong. Instead of resisting temptation, this person rushes toward it. From God’s perspective, it is a deeply troubling picture.
The sixth characteristic is “a false witness who breathes out lies.” A false witness spreads statements that are simply not true, harming others in the process. The phrase “breathes out lies” suggests that deceit flows from this person as naturally as breathing. He feels little remorse about what he is doing. Seeing an opportunity, he simply lies. Often the lies serve a calculated purpose, spoken deliberately to damage reputations or gain advantage. Others suffer greatly when truth is treated lightly and false accusations are allowed to spread.
Finally, the seventh and climactic description is “one who sows discord among brothers.” This person disrupts relationships and creates division within families and communities. The word picture is agricultural. Just as a farmer scatters seed across a field, this individual scatters conflict among people who should live in unity. Quarreling, suspicion, and fractured relationships follow in the wake of her words. God abhors the one who deliberately creates such division among his people.
Those who belong to the Lord rightly call God their Father. Just as the unity of a family matters deeply to parents, the unity of God’s people matters deeply to him. When you encounter someone who thrives on stirring conflict, be wise. Do not align yourself with a person who seeks to divide the family of God. Instead, pursue the opposite path. Cultivate a heart that seeks what is good, feet that move toward righteousness, lips that speak truth, and a life that promotes peace among God’s people.