Think About What You’re Thinking About (Proverbs 15:26)
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Proverbs 15:26
The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord,
but gracious words are pure.
Picture this verse as a pen. If the tongue is the pen, then the thoughts are the ink – and wicked ink stains every page.
You know there aren’t many times in Proverbs where we see things described as ‘abominations’ to the Lord. We know from Proverbs 16:5 that everyone who is arrogant in heart is an abomination to the Lord. Proverbs 11:20 says the crooked in heart are an abomination to the Lord, and, among other verses that we’ll see later this year, this verse describes the ‘thoughts of the wicked’ as ‘an abomination to the Lord.’
Truth is, we often don’t give a second thought to our first thought. We don’t think twice about what we think about. I don’t think we really comprehend culturally the great power our thoughts carry and, maybe more specifically, what they indicate.
Our thoughts are the greatest indicator, the first line of defense – if you will – of the condition of our hearts. Are we wicked in heart? Are we pure in heart? Our thoughts will help reveal that.
And it’s the wicked whose thoughts are an abomination to God. They don’t honor Him, they don’t revere Him; in many cases they don’t acknowledge Him. They are rebellious and evil, perverse and prideful. They are an abomination to God! What a gut-checking verse! It makes me pause and ask myself: ‘What am I thinking about?’
It makes me think about what I’m thinking about!
The verse continues:
‘But gracious words are pure’
It’s from those thoughts our mouths speak! That’s why you see the progression from thought to word in this verse.
The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord,
but gracious words are pure.
Gracious words are not born in graceless minds – the stream cannot rise above its source.
If what flows from the lips is foul, the spring itself is spoiled. A person’s thoughts will ultimately be revealed by their words. That’s why it’s so important to take every thought captive to obey Christ! You can’t control every thought that enters your mind, but you can determine whether or not you build a nest for them. Not every thought deserves a cup of tea and a place on your couch. But if you let them, instead of taking thoughts captive, they take you captive.
So reflect on your thoughts and words this morning.
What story are you writing with your thoughts?
If your words reveal your heart, what have they revealed lately?
Those questions should provide some context on where you may be tempted to sin, and where you are headed directionally.
Remember, your life is always moving in the direction of your strongest thoughts.
Every sin was once a thought with no leash. It’s wise to tie it up and take it captive to obey Christ before it takes the throne.
Let’s pray.
