Proverbs 10:18 - Hatred begins in the Heart

Proverbs 10:18 

He who conceals hatred has lying lips, and he who spreads slander is a fool.

Message: Hatred begins in the heart

Time: Proverbs records multiple individuals as its author with Solomon as the principal author. Solomon died in 931 BC though most think the book was likely in its final form sometime before the end of Hezekiah’s reign in 686 BC. It is a book that instructs people on the path of wisdom. It speaks to all of life and living our lives under the authority and direction of God. 

What the Lord is Saying: This is the first proverb in chapter 10 that is not a contrast between a virtue and a vice but instead is very specific about a person that has hatred towards others. Verse 15 was also a verse that wasn't so much a contrast but a commentary, but this one clear condones hatred. The contrast is one who conceals hatred and one who professes it. The former being a liar, the latter being a fool. In both instances, we need to consider how we view others. We know we need to love others as Christ loves us (John 13:34-35).

Judas is one of the clearest examples in scripture of one who betrays another person, and in this instance betrays the Christ, the Savior. It’s not clear to me in scripture if Judas consistently throughout his life expressed hatred, but most likely he did not express complete love and trust.

One who openly slanders is one who openly defames or openly brings negativity on his neighbor. One of the instances of this that stands out to me is election season. I think of opponents in election who go out of their way to defame or speak negativity of an opponent. I suppose in some ways they are showing a clear contrast but it’s done in a very disheartening manner.

As we rally around those individuals that we prefer, supporting them or voting them, are we also agreeing with this slander.

Of the two offenses here that one seems to stand out more. Hiding hatred is more of a personal problem that we as people try to do our best to continue to conceal, hoping that it doesn’t come out into the light. "In our modern day, few people admit to the sin of hatred" (Enduring Word). This person is engaging lies toward oneself. They know the truth of how they feel but try to make it out that all is fine. 

Prayer: Oh, father, you are rich in mercy. You take away my offenses, my sin, and you nail it to the across and forgive it in order to restore me to a relationship with you. You cover up completely my sin. I need to guard against any type of slander, either directly by myself, or indirectly, when I support others that slander people. I know this in work life it’s easy to defame my neighbor, agreeing with others as they bring it up. It is too easy to find error and fault in others, and then to speak of it almost like it’s a virtue by calling out their errors. Give me the courage to address it correctly. Give me the courage so that if I noticed some thing I address it with the person.  I know I’m a person that can be quite critical. I can be a person that is bitter when I feel offended. I pray for the foundation of my soul would be blameless, accepting of others. You are the great God. If I find fault, help me to address it with the person and not to simply bad mouth the person behind their back. Thank you for caring for me and loving me no matter what. I praise you. In Jesus' name I offer this prayer. Amen. 

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