A NAUGHTY PERSON!

A NAUGHTY PERSON!

Prov 6:12-19

12 A naughty person, a wicked man, walketh with a froward mouth.

13 He winketh with his eyes, he speaketh with his feet, he teacheth with his fingers;

14 Frowardness is in his heart, he deviseth mischief continually; he soweth discord.

15 Therefore shall his calamity come suddenly; suddenly shall he be broken without remedy.

16 These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:

17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,

18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,

19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.

          The word naughty is fading from our language. It means, according to Merriam-Webster, a person “guilty of disobedience or misbehavior” or “a person lacking in taste or propriety.” In our text above it means a wicked and ungodly person. In The Proverbs, known for their concise brevity, this may well be one of the lengthiest portions. It describes the characteristics of the naughty person.

1. He walks with a “forward” mouth!

          Froward is the Hebrew word “crooked” or “perverse.” It may indicate a language liberally sprinkled with morally repugnant innuendos and curses or it may simply mean that his speech can’t be trusted. It may mean both.

1 Tim 5:13

13 And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.

2. He winks with his eyes – speaks with his feet – teaches with his fingers!

All his gestures tend toward wickedness. He can’t look you in the eye. He winks at his cohort to indicate that the victim is ready for the taking. He makes secret signs with the members of his gang. Every movement and gesture is falsehood. He is “shifty!”

3. He sows discord!

          Here there is a Hebrew plural “frowardnesses” which means multiple evils. The intent is to create a contest or conflict between friends that he might weaken and plunder both. In other words, he cares not for either contestant! Once the battle is over between the parties he has aroused, he hopes to gain something from both of them. He starts an argument so he can watch a fight.

4. Six hateful things – no, wait, there is seven!

Prov 6:16-19

16 These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:

17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,

18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,

19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.

          Once again discord is mentioned. This is a person who creates an uproar through whisperings, slanders and flatteries. Please note that all of these traits belong to one naughty person!

          I skipped an important verse so that I might saved it for last because it serves as a severe warning to those who are well on their way to becoming a naughty person.

Prov 6:15

15 Therefore shall his calamity come suddenly; suddenly shall he be broken without remedy.

Oh Lord, let me not become a naughty person. Let me turn my heart to you and heed your warning. AMEN