According to a 2009 study, men and women sin differently. This study of the seven deadly sins found that the top sin for men is lust, followed by gluttony, laziness, anger, pride, envy, and greed. For women, the sin list in order of frequency is pride, envy, anger, lust, gluttony, greed, and laziness. These seven deadly sins were first laid down by Gregory the Great in the 6th century AD. But, in reality, it’s wrong to say that there are only seven deadly sins. For all sins are deadly (Romans 6:23; James 1:15).
King Solomon listed seven sins, which are detestable to God (Proverbs 6:17-19). Contrary to popular understanding, he isn’t saying that there are only seven specific sins that God hates. For all sins are abhorrent to Him! In the Bible, the “six . . . seven” numerical pattern (also seen in Job 5:19; Proverbs 30:15-16,18-19,21-31) does not give a complete list. Instead, these patterns lay out all items equally, pointing to the final item—“a person who sows discord in a family” (6:19)—as the culmination of the preceding items.
In Proverbs 6, the passage is bracketed by liars who “constantly stir up trouble” and those who sow “discord in a family” (vv.12,14,19). It describes the attitudes and actions of the divisive person. A divisive person is wicked (v.12), deceitful (v.13), perverted (v.14), proud (v.17), and evil in his heart (v.18). He sows discord by hypocritical actions and deceptive words (vv.12,13,17,19). The divisive person is without value to the community and will be severely punished (vv.12,15). He has incurred God’s wrath (v.16).
A troublemaker can easily destroy the unity of the church. We’re reminded: “Throw out the mocker, and fighting goes too. Quarrels and insults will disappear” (Proverbs 22:10).
More:
• Romans 16:17-20
• 2 Timothy 2:23-25
• Titus 3:10-11
Next:
How should you deal with a divisive person in your fellowship group or church? What should you say to him or her?
riri on January 12, 2010 at 7:37 am
I needed this today. I am dealing with difficult people on my job and sometimes it’s hard to deal with them in a Christlike manner. I just have to remember to pray for them.
myron on January 12, 2010 at 8:41 am
i try not to look at the inside of
poeple around me if thay are evil
i will not like them
bethanyF on January 12, 2010 at 8:51 am
I have a difficult time dealing with certain people sometimes. There was a time where one person at work really pushed my buttons. I continuously am blessed because I tried to keep giving it to God. When I did that a burden I felt was llifted.
Paulajo on January 12, 2010 at 10:27 am
In my life experiences, I have noticed that the people in my life… friends, coworkers, family, church family, all have the potential to steal my joy if I let them! I can choose to obey Christ in the situation and follow His example, or take matters into my own hands and respond in my flesh (which is very sinful as this devotional pointed out). I try to keep in mind certain scripture that I can read or memorize that pertains to how my attitude should be towards all people, difficult or not! A few of my favorite verses to cling to are: Colossians 4: 5-6, I Thessalonians 5: 14-15, Galatians 5: 16-25, Galatians 6: 9-10, Romans 12: 14-21. Colossians 3: 12-14
I could go on and on with scriptures because the Bible is full of truths which if I would obey, my life would be so much more joyful. That is why I need to put on the armor of God everyday, (Ephesians 6: 10-17), so I will have the strength to overcome sin as well as fight off the attacks of the difficult and divisive people in my life… and of course God will get all the glory!
shayskin on January 12, 2010 at 11:08 am
I read this passage and remember how i was struggling with the hurt someone on my job did to me lied so i could not get my workman comp. but just this morning God laid it on my mind that he is in control of my life and i have not suffer one day for july 24th to the present and i feel that someone you work with is like a family member mostly the person you look up to the Director I just want every body that read this i wrote to pray that her heart is heal from during this to someone else. I forgve her with my whole heart and pray for her everyday with the of Jesus
God is in control of my destiny
love to GOD alway for healing my heart
God get all the glory
lyndygayle on January 12, 2010 at 11:48 am
I agree with all the above comments..however what speaks the loudest to me is the need to be a peacemaker in situations…not repeat things that can hurt and upset….not to get involved in gossip. These are things I continually need to work on to be more like Christ.
marshie on January 12, 2010 at 8:22 pm
Thanks for this one!! God Bless.. =)
k.t. sim on January 12, 2010 at 9:58 pm
hi all,
As we strive to do what is Biblical and right, let us be encouraged by what Paul wrote to the Thessalonian Christians – “we urge you… to live in a way that pleases God…. You live this way already, and we encourage you to do so even more. “(1 Thessalonians 4:1).
Patricia on January 14, 2010 at 3:22 pm
Oh how this touched my heart… I would love to say it has been others who were divisive ( a lie I have told myself for far too long!) but I know it is me. I have allowed bitterness to take up residence in my heart and it has become like a poison, affecting every aspect of my life…
For whatever reason, the Lord used this devotional to gently, yet firmly, tell me I am the common denominator in my troubles with others. It is MY sin, not theirs. Lord, I am so thankful Your timing is perfect..that You patiently waited for my heart to be prepared to receive Your loving rebuke… I love You so. Please help me to surrender all that is not of You. In Jesus’ Name, amen.
agape on January 18, 2010 at 8:04 am
Patricia,
Thank you so much for your honesty. Reading your statement was like reading about myself. I have been praying about this issue in my lfe. I will also pray for you. I believe God is going to deliver us both. It is his will for you and I to confess these things so He can heal us. Have a bless day Patricia, In Jesus Name, Amen.