WISDOM FROM GOD – “A PERVERSE PERSON IS AN ABOMINATION”

The American author of the article, “HOW GOD VIEWS VIOLENCE – PROVERBS 3:31-32” begins his article by talking about how violence is glorified and worshipped in his society, and also in the world we live in; and how man seems to love perverseness, violence and oppression, worshipfully.
– “Ours is a society that is enamoured with violence.  We glorify it daily in our entertainment mediums – movies, television, magazines, books, and newspapers.  It is interesting that we also try to sit in judgment on cultures like Rome, saying that they were barbaric in their gladiator games and other forms of public violence.  Yet, if we were to look at what we do and how we consume it – there is little difference in our two cultures.” – Calvary Chapel of Jonesboro

Let us continue our study of Proverbs chapter three. This morning let us look at Proverbs 3:32, which is actually part of Proverbs 3:31-32.
– “31 Do not envy the oppressor, And choose none of his ways; 32 For the perverse person is an abomination to the LORD, But His secret counsel is with the upright.” – Proverbs 3:31-32

Proverbs 3:32 gives us a very clear insight into why we should not envy the oppressor, and why we should not choose any of his ways.
– Verse 32 begins with “FOR” which indicates to us that, the rest of the verse is a response to what is said in verse 31.

The Bible makes it absolutely clear that whosoever envies the oppressor and the violent man, and walk in all his ways – that person or group or society or a nation is an ABOMINATION TO YAHWEH, our LORD and our Creator. There is no mincing of words here. “There is no “strategic” ambiguity to wiggle around to do all the oppression we want, and yet count ourselves as righteous, just, fair and the epitome of all virtue and noble, because we call all what we do as righteous, just and fair. One can’t be more hypocritical and debased than this. This is precisely why, the LORD utterly hates all who are oppressors – let us have no doubts about it. This is what Proverbs 3:32 says…isn’t it?
– “32 For the perverse person is an abomination to the LORD, But His secret counsel is with the upright.” – Proverbs 3:32

1- “FOR THE PERVERSE PERSON IS AN ABOMINATION TO THE LORD”
The above words reveal to us clearly…
– the heart and the character of God Almighty.
– It also reveals man’s heart, and his character.
– A Christian is warned through these words, what he is not to do.
– A Christian is encouraged to pursue a path that pleases our LORD.

PERVERSE PERSON is the one who is devoid of any good, and is totally depraved, wicked and evil. He is someone who turns aside from the LORD wilfully, and walks with full knowledge intentionally, on wicked and evil ways.

ABOMINATION means, that which is utterly disgusting, absolutely abhorrent, and totally loathsome. ABOMINATION simply means, that which is utterly and totally sinful, wicked and evil… irreconcilably.

– “20 Those who are of a perverse heart are an abomination to the LORD, But the blameless in their ways are His delight.” – Proverbs 11:20
– “13 The fear of the LORD is to hate evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way And the perverse mouth I hate.’ – Proverbs 8:13

2- “BUT HIS SECRET COUNSEL IS WITH THE UPRIGHT”
Whoever walks UPRIGHTLY – the exact opposite of the PERVERSE person – are close to God, and the LORD absolutely loves them. The upright enjoy the Lord’s confidence and His counsel. They enjoy God’s steadfast friendship, companionship and His wise counsel. The blessing of the LORD is upon them and upon all what is theirs.
– “14 The secret of the LORD is with those who fear Him, And He will show them His covenant.” – Psalms 25:14
– “14 You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. 15 No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you.” – John 15:14-15

An “UPRIGHT” person is not someone who is sinless, as in the sense of “flawless perfection” – but rather, he is someone, whose heart is sincere, transparent, consistently obedient, and always desires wholeheartedly, to be in line with God’s righteous standards.
– “11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield; The LORD will give grace and glory; No good thing will He withhold From those who walk uprightly.” – Psalms 84:11
– “7 He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk uprightly;” – Proverbs 2:7

What about us this morning, dear brothers and sisters? Where do we stand? Where is our heart? What do we desire the most? How is our conduct? What ideas and ideals do we believe in? Is violence and oppression part of our mental, emotional and moral make-up? Are we walking in perverseness? LET US ALWAYS REMEMBER, and NEVER EVER FORGET that, “32…the perverse person is an abomination to the LORD, But His secret counsel is with the upright.” – Proverbs 3:32. 

Even so, the LORD help us to be upright and honest. A person who is not violent, oppressive and perverse, but righteous, just and fair in all our thoughts, words and deeds.