"Sowing and Reaping..."

I frequently read through the book of Proverbs.  At the risk of being persecuted by my friends for being cheesy, think about this.  "A proverb a day, keeps the Devil away."  Today I read Proverbs 26.  Verses 24-26 really peaked my attention.  We have been discussing the issue of "hate" recently in our Sunday School class.  I want to breakdown, quickly, what these verses are saying about hate.  

Whoever Hates...

#1:  Disguises Himself with His Lips

We may not always recognize a person that is filled with hate.  We may not recognize that we are a person filled with hate.  Others deceive us and we deceive ourselves by words.  Words can disguise the hate that is buried deep down in an individual.  Verse 25 goes on to tell us that "when he (the hateful person) speaks graciously, believe him not..."  Why is this the case?  This is the case because "there are seven abominations in his heart."  An abomination is "extreme disgust and hatred" for something or someone.  The disgust and hatred that the "hater" has in his heart is 7 times greater than the base level of hate.  

#2:  Harbors Deceit in His Heart

What does the word "deceit" mean?  Deceit can simply mean "dishonest behavior."    What does the word "harbor" mean?  Harbor means "a place of security or comfort."  So, what is this verse saying?  Someone who hates is secure and comfortable with the dishonest behavior in his or her life.  

#3:  His Hatred is Covered with Deception

The "hate-filled" person is a master at deception.  This person deceives others and, ultimately, him or herself masterfully.  He or she deceives others by appearing loving and gracious, but inwardly his a "professional deceiver."

This passage does provide us with hope and encouragement.  This is what I love about the Word of God.  Despite the fact that there are dark, tragic, and seemingly hopeless passages of scripture, it always comes back to hope, redemption, and encouragement.  Listen to what hope Solomon provides through the Spirit of The Lord.  "...his (the person of hate) wickedness will be exposed in the assembly."  The last part of verse 26 reminds me of Galatians 6:7.  Paul writes, "Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for WHATEVER ONE SOWS, THAT WILL HE ALSO REAP."  

The hate-filled person might disguise his or her speech, harbor deceit, speak graciously, and masterfully deceive others, he or she will eventually reap the hate that has been sown deep down in his or her heart.  I think many of us must keep this in mind.  We must keep this in mind regarding hate, but we also must keep this in mind with other harmful issue we face.  Things like:  anger, drinking, lust, impurity, jealousy, immorality, etc...  We must remember one thing:  WE WILL ALWAYS REAP WHAT WE SOW!