These Seven Things- Feet That Sprint Towards Evil

Proverbs 6:16-19 states, "Take note, there are six things the Eternal hates; no, make it seven He abhors: Eyes that look down on others, a tongue that can’t be trusted, hands that shed innocent blood, A heart that conceives evil plans, feet that sprint toward evil, A false witness who breathes out lies, and anyone who stirs up trouble among the faithful." (The Voice)

Feet that sprint toward evil.

Feet that be swift in running to mischief.
Eagerness to do wrong.

Feet that are quick to do evil.

What would the description of our 'feet' be today?

'Feet' are mentioned quite often in the Word of God.

There was the washing of feet, the sacredness of wearing no shoes on the feet while on holy ground, and the metaphors concerning 'feet.'

In Romans chapter 3, we read that Jesus tells the disciples that no one is better than the other (Jews are not better than the Gentles, etc.) Jesus said no one is righteous- they have all turned away from God. He then begins to described their actions: their words are full of deceit, lies roll off their tongues, they spill dangerous threats from their lips, their speech is filled with curses, and their FEET are quick to hurt and to kill. They leave ruin and destruction wherever they go.

In Psalms 73, David talks about how he was envious of the prosperity of the wicked- it seemed like their lives were smooth and simple! They weren't in trouble or plagued like everyone else was. They appeared to have everything you could have hoped for. In this moment, David's FEET slipped! Another version says that David's FEET almost fell into sin because he saw this luxurious lifestyle of the wicked. Another version says his FEET almost stumbled- he almost lost faith because he saw how much he struggled trying to do good, while the wicked had it all. It wasn't until the end of chapter 73 that God allowed David to understand- their life right now is only temporary, a dream because they are not living a life pleasing to God.Our reward is eternal-- we just have to hold out for it.

In Proverbs chapter 1, David writes that only fools refuse to be taught. Sinners will attempt to entice them. It might sound appealing at times. But God warns us to watch our feet that we do not fall into their way of life. Proverbs 1:16 says, "because their feet run toward trouble and they hurry to commit murder." Greed overtakes their lives. Their feet are ready to do evil acts.

Proverbs 19:2 says, "He who has no knowledge of his own soul, it is not good for him; and he who is hasty with his FEET sins (impatience will get you into trouble)." (GLT/GNT) A lack of patience, FEET that run into whatever situation first without thinking... it is not good for us. God calls us to be patient, to think, to use wisdom and knowledge.

How would God describe our FEET today?

Would He say that they are quick to run to trouble-- to gossip, to conversations that tear others down, to crime, to making fun of others, to stealing? Are they impatient? Do they run to situations without thinking or using wisdom? Are they falling into a life of sin? Are our feet running with the crowd? Are they jealous and being driven by envy??

OR.

Are our FEET on a solid foundation? In Psalms chapter 38-39, David revealed he was suffering with guilt from his sins. David said there was no rest in bones because of his sins. His sins were a huge burden to him-- to heavy for him to carry. David said that his sorrow was continually in front of him. He begged for God to not forsake him. He asked God to deliver him from all his transgressions. And in chapter 40, David declares that he was waiting patiently for the Lord to hear him. He said "God brought me out of a horrible pit, out of the mud and the clay. God set my feet on a rock and made my steps steady." He put a new song in David's mouth, one that praised God. 

Is His Word a lamp to our FEET? Psalms 119:105 says, "Your words are a flashlight to light the path ahead of me and keep my feet from stumbling." His Word is our road map- our compass. It teaches us how to live the life God has called us to-- IF WE ALLOW IT. His Word teaches us how to be patient- how to love others- how to be faithful- how to live a life pleasing to God. It teaches us how to find joy- to be at peace- to let our fears go-- IF WE ALLOW IT. His Word can be a light to our feet-- teaching us where to walk, how to walk. 

Are we keeping our FEET from evil ways?? Psalms 119:101 says, "I keep my feet from every evil way, in order to observe your word." Keeping our feet from every evil ways means that we are consistently praying, consistently repenting, and consistently striving to following a path of goodness. According to the dictionary, 'evil' is described as: morally wrong or bad, immoral, harmful, marked by anger. God's law- His call to leave the evil ways behind- lets wisdom flow through us. We learn what is the best way to act in situations, how to react, how to live a peaceful life, how to love. 1 Corinthians 6:9 says, " Don’t you realize that those who do wrong will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Don’t fool yourselves...." God, please keep our feet from evil.

How would God describe our feet today?