Seven Deadly Sins

Unguarded Avenues

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John Swinton, a Scottish-American journalist and the chief editorial writer of the New York Times during the 1860s, made the following remarks to his fellow journalists at a banquet given in his honor in 1880: “There is no such thing, at this date of the world’s history, in America, as an independent press. You know it and I know it.

“There is not one of you who dares to write your honest opinions, and if you did, you know beforehand that it would never appear in print. I am paid weekly for keeping my honest opinion out of the paper I am connected with. Others of you are paid similar salaries for similar things, and any of you who would be so foolish as to write honest opinions would be out on the streets looking for another job. If I allowed my honest opinions to appear in one issue of my paper, before 24 hours my occupation would be gone.

“The business of the journalist is to destroy the truth, to lie outright, to pervert, to vilify, to fawn at the feet of mammon, and to sell his country and his race for his daily bread. You know it and I know it, and what folly is this toasting an independent press?

“We are the tools and vassals of rich men behind the scenes. We are the jumping jacks, they pull the strings and we dance. Our talents, our possibilities and our lives are all the property of other men. We are intellectual prostitutes.” (Source: Labor’s Untold Story, by Richard O. Boyer and Herbert M. Morais, published by United Electrical, Radio & Machine Workers of America, NY, 1955/1979.)

This is quite an honest admission of the truth. It provides us with the sad reality that we are but a deteriorating mass of humanity. I think it would be safe to say that most, if not all of us, are affected by the media in one way or another. Massive technological advancements in the media industry have occurred from 1880 until now, and we no longer deal only with the written page, but also Silicon Valley media ammunitions. This media empire is, with great success, the shaper of the human population’s world view at this present time.

In his book Secret Societies and Psychological Warfare, Michael A. Hoffman II tells us of the plan for the reshaping of our minds.

“The battle for the mind of North America will be fought in the video arena, the videodrome.” (p. 92.)

“If we consider the hours in a day most Americans spend in front of a TV and add to that the hours children spend immersed in the digital world of videogames and add to that their forthcoming immersion in computer-simulated worlds of supposed ‘history’ and ‘travel’ in their schools, we see the gradual creation of a population of dwellers-in-perpetual-illusion.” (p. 94.)

A former Amway Crown Direct distributor Bunny Marks concluded, “What you see is what you’ll be.”

In the first part of this fourth deadly sin which God hates (LandMarks May 2025 issue, Wicked Imaginations), we discovered that the majority of people who are living today have “a heart that deviseth wicked imaginations” (Proverbs 6:18). They allow their minds to become the devil’s workshop by cherishing “wicked imaginations” or “thoughts of iniquity.” It was made clear that we must strictly guard the avenues to our souls, especially our eyes and ears, because Satan will use these senses, if left unguarded, to bring about our ruin.

As we examine in a deeper way this fourth deadly sin, I would like to share with you some alarming statistics that will help us to understand just how very serious Mr. Swinton’s assertions are for us today. Social media, while it can be beneficial to us, is also used by the devil to disconnect people from Jesus Christ and destroy the Christian religion.

  • The United States—a self-declared Christian nation—is the largest producer and exporter of hardcore pornographic DVDs and web material. According to British authorities, there are at least 4.5 million porn sites, of which more than half are located in the US.
  • More than 40 million Americans are regular visitors to porn sites. The average visit lasts six minutes and 29 seconds.
  • The porn industry’s annual revenue is more than the NFL, NBA, and MLB combined. It is also more than the combined revenues of ABC, CBS, and NBC.
  • 47% of families in the US reported that pornography is a problem in their home.
  • Pornography use increases the marital infidelity rate by more than 300%.
  • Eleven is the average age that a child is first exposed to porn, and 94% of children will see porn by the age of 14.
  • On average, teenagers spend five hours and 38 minutes online every day. Nearly half of teens admit to taking action to hide their online behavior from parents.
  • 56% of American divorces involve one party having an “obsessive interest” in pornographic websites.
  • 70% of Christian youth pastors report that they have had at least one teenager come to them for help in dealing with pornography in the past 12 months.
  • 68% of churchgoing men and more than 50% of pastors view porn on a regular basis. Of young Christian adults ages 18-24, 76% actively search for porn.
  • 59% of pastors said married men seek their help for porn use.
  • 33% of women ages 25 and under search for porn at least once per month.
  • Only 13% of self-identified Christian women say they never watch porn—87% of Christian women have watched porn.
  • 55% of married men and 25% of married women say they watch porn at least once a month.
  • 57% of pastors say porn addiction is the most damaging issue in their congregation. And 69% say porn has adversely impacted the church.
  • $3,075.64 is spent on porn every second on the internet. The United States was the country with the most traffic in 2019.
  • According to a Gallup poll taken in June 2018, “More than four in 10 Americans (43%) now say pornography is morally acceptable.”
  • In 2008, a survey of more than 560 college students was taken. It revealed:
  • 69% of boys and 55% of girls have seen same-sex intercourse on line.
  • 32% of boys and 18% of girls have seen bestiality online.
  • 88% of scenes in porn films contain acts of physical aggression, and 49% of scenes contain verbal aggression.
  • Those who frequently consume Internet pornography are less likely to marry because they see pornography as a marital sexual gratification substitute.
  • 70% of wives of sex addicts could be diagnosed with PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder).
  • 82% of tweens (a child between the ages of 10 and 12) and 94.50% of teens expressed or experienced violent subject matter/thoughts.
  • 09% of tweens and 74.61% of teens were involved in a self-harm/suicidal situation.
  • 35% of tweens and 93.31% of teens engaged in conversations surrounding drugs/alcohol.

These statistics are very troubling because they illustrate how what we look at and listen to affects our minds and behavior.

The Minnesota Human Trafficking Task Force recently found 46 published research studies demonstrating that exposure to pornography puts individuals at increased risk for committing sexual offenses.

An article in the April 15, 2018, Christianity Today magazine entitled, “3 Ways Social Media Endangers a Christian’s Life” reveals why it is important that Christians guard the avenues to their souls.

  • It allows room for secret sin. Here’s the most dangerous effect of all: social media is a perfect breeding ground for secret sin.
  • Handled the wrong way, it will steal precious time.
  • It pollutes the mind.

In We Become What We Watch, Abigail Dodd made the following remarks:

“J. Gresham Machen says, ‘When any new fact enters the human mind it must proceed to make itself at home; it must proceed to introduce itself to the previous denizens (occupants) of the house. That process of introduction of new facts is called thinking. And, contrary to what seems to be quite generally supposed, thinking cannot be avoided by the Christian.’

“Whether we are reflecting on a fact at any given moment or not, we are always thinking, and that thinking shapes us in profound ways. … whenever new facts enter our mind, we are engaged in a type of thinking—whether we want to be or not. Watching shows is one of the most passive forms of thinking, which makes it one of the most powerful. Because we are not engaged in active thinking, we allow any number of morally-suspect thoughts to enter our mind unhindered. These thoughts immediately get comfortable in their new home. … To say this is a cunning move by our adversary is an understatement. Under the guise of entertainment, evil thoughts often move into our minds and entrench themselves unopposed.” [Author’s emphasis.]

“Your imagination was not given you to be allowed to run riot and have its own way without any effort at restraint or discipline. If the thoughts are wrong, the feelings will be wrong; and the thoughts and feelings combined make up the moral character. When you decide that as Christians you are not required to restrain your thoughts and feelings, you are brought under the influence of evil angels and invite their presence and their control.” Mind, Character, and Personality, Vol. 2, 593

Mrs. White is very clear that our thoughts and feelings shape our characters. She also highlights one particular way that the imagination is corrupted.

“Among the most dangerous resorts for pleasure is the theater. Instead of being a school of morality and virtue, as is so often claimed, it is the very hotbed of immorality. Vicious habits and sinful propensities are strengthened and confirmed by these entertainments. Low songs, lewd gestures, expressions, and attitudes, deprave the imagination and debase the morals. Every youth who habitually attends such exhibitions will be corrupted in principle. There is no influence in our land more powerful to poison the imagination, to destroy religious impressions, and to blunt the relish for the tranquil pleasures and sober realities of life than theatrical amusements. The love for these scenes increases with every indulgence, as the desire for intoxicating drinks strengthens with its use. The only safe course is to shun the theater, the circus, and every other questionable place of amusement.” Testimonies, Vol. 4, 652, 653

The imagination is the vehicle by which the mind becomes depraved.

“The heart is corrupted through the imagination. The mind takes pleasure in contemplating scenes which awaken the lower and baser passions. These vile images, seen through defiled imagination, corrupt the morals and prepare the deluded, infatuated beings to give loose rein to lustful passions. Then follow sins and crimes which drag beings formed in the image of God down to a level with the beasts, sinking them at last in perdition. Avoid reading and seeing things which will suggest impure thoughts.” Ibid., Vol. 2, 410

Corinth, being a metropolis, was a center of all manner of immorality and sexual perversion. The Corinthian church was surrounded and likewise affected by such corrupting influences, resulting in a very serious problem; the Corinthians impure and immoral thoughts translated into impure and immoral actions. The apostle Paul had to address the church members about this matter.

“It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father’s wife.” 1 Corinthians 5:1

“Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats: but God shall destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body. … Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.” 1 Corinthians 6:13, 18

“Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand.” 1 Corinthians 10:8

“And lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and that I shall bewail many which have sinned already, and have not repented of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they have committed.” 2 Corinthians 12:21

The word fornication used here by Paul, is the Greek word porneia from which we get the English word pornography. “The word pornography is composed of two Greek words. The first is porne, meaning “harlot,” which is akin to the word pernanai, meaning “to sell.” The second word is graphein, meaning “to write.” In other words, pornography is literally “the writing of harlots.” (Source: Richard & Linda Sauer, Pornography: A Distortion of God’s Plan, March 29, 2007.)

“The tentacles of pornography have invaded almost every area of our lives through TV, movies, sports, music, the arts, the news media, video gaming, marketing, magazines, and the Internet. Differing degrees and aspects of pornography are everywhere. Many of these far-reaching tentacles go unnoticed and are even embraced by mainstream Americans—Christians and non-Christians alike. What once was considered unacceptable has become completely commonplace.” Ibid., 1

We must heed Peter’s warning.

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” 1 Peter 5:8

Eve sinned because:

  • She provided an opportunity for the evil one.
  • She was curious.
  • She questioned God’s word.
  • Her thoughts resulted in disobedience.
  • She became corrupted.

Satan appealed to Eve’s senses and played with her imagination. Consequently, she laid aside God’s word, believed a lie, and sin entered this planet! (See Genesis 3:1–7; Patriarchs and Prophets, 55.)

Helen Howarth Lemmel appeals to us in her song Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus.

“Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.”

“Look unto Me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.” Isaiah 45:22

Pastor Ivan Plummer ministers through the Emmanuel Seventh Day Church Ministries in Bronx, New York. He may be contacted by telephone at 718-882-3900.

Wicked Imaginations

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“An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations.”

Proverbs 6:18, first part

There are seven deadly sins that God hates, and they are noticeably the spring from which all sin flows. However, it is a simple fact that too many people are not aware of the real issue which plagues us, that gives rise to our overt responses, dictates our actions, and molds our characters.

The children’s Sabbath School song still rings true.

“Watch your eyes, watch your eyes, what they see

“Watch your ears, watch your ears, what they hear

“Watch your lips, watch your lips, what they say

“Watch your hands, watch your hands, what they do

“Watch your feet, watch your feet, where they go

“For there’s a Father up above, looking down in tender love

“Watch your eyes, your ears, your lips, your hands, your feet.”

Interestingly, the song begins with the key entry points to our minds, our eyes and ears—what we see and what we hear, what Inspiration describes as “avenues of the soul.” Next it addresses what we say with our lips, do with our hands, and where our feet take us. This is a step-by-step process that begins with what we see and the internal reaction it invokes, coupled with what we hear, which causes us to say, do, and go. Our lips express what is in our minds (Luke 6:45), our hands are the instruments which perform what is in our soul, and our feet are the vehicles that transport us to where we need to go in order to fulfill what has been hatched in our minds.

Sadly, the majority of the time, the things which we look at and listen to are not wholesome and suitable for the formation of a moral and Christlike character! How important then that we guard mainly what we see and hear.

The Wisest Man

Solomon lays out a formula for the preservation of the mind.

“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee. Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee. Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.” Proverbs 4:23–27

“A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps.” Proverbs 16:9

“For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.” (Nephesh, in Hebrew means “heart, mind, soul, life, or the entirety or essence of a person”) Proverbs 23:7

“Be not thou envious against evil men, neither desire to be with them. For their heart studieth destruction, and their lips talk of mischief.” Proverbs 24:1, 2

“The heart is deceitful above all [things], and desperately wicked: who can know it?” Jeremiah 17:9

“O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.” Matthew 12:34

“But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: These are [the things] which defile a man … .” Matthew 15:18–20 (Kardia, the Greek word for heart used by Matthew in these passages, means “the thoughts or feelings, the mind.”)

“An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations.” Proverbs 6:18. This is the fourth deadly sin which God hates. According to the Hebrew, “wicked imaginations” literally means “thoughts of iniquity,” and all of this begins in the heart or the mind. Let us remember that there are evil thoughts in the minds of all human beings: but the devising, fabricating of them, and thus making the mind into the devil’s workshop, is the mark of utter depravity and wickedness, and therefore is repugnant to God.

This was the state of mind of the majority of the people in Noah’s day. Moses records, “And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” Genesis 6:5. In Paul’s day, it was no different, for he tells us of the spiritual disposition of the people of his time, “Because that, when they knew God, they glorified Him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.” Romans 1:21

We also read Paul’s account in his letter to the Ephesians, “This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.” Ephesians 4:17–19

The question that we need to answer is, how does the mind become the fountain of “wicked imaginations” or “thoughts of iniquity?” Paul gives us the answer.

“And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.” Romans 1:28–32

People’s minds become the reservoir for “thoughts of iniquity” because they choose to reject the ways of God for the ways of Satan. They find pleasure in dwelling upon the things of unrighteousness rather than holy things. This was the attitude of the church people who had apostatized from the Lord in Jeremiah’s days.

“Now therefore go to, speak to the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, saying, Thus saith the Lord; Behold, I frame evil against you, and devise a device against you: return ye now everyone from his evil way, and make your ways and your doings good. And they said, There is no hope: but we will walk after our own devices, and we will everyone do the imagination of his evil heart.” Jeremiah 18:11, 12

Furthermore, Paul told Timothy that in the last days some people would have “their conscience seared (to brand; to render insensitive) with a hot iron.” 1 Timothy 4:2

Understanding the gravity of the matter, the servant of the Lord wrote, “All should guard the senses, lest Satan gain victory over them; for these are the avenues of the soul.

“You will have to become a faithful sentinel over your eyes, ears, and all your senses if you would control your mind and prevent vain and corrupt thoughts from staining your soul. The power of grace alone can accomplish this most desirable work.” Counsels for the Church, 166

And Peter states, “Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 1:13

“The apostle sought to teach the believers how important it is to keep the mind from wandering to forbidden themes, or from spending its energies on trifling subjects. Those who would not fall a prey to Satan’s devices, must guard well the avenues of the soul; they must avoid reading, seeing, or hearing that which will suggest impure thoughts. The mind must not be left to dwell at random upon every subject that the enemy of souls may suggest. The heart must be faithfully sentineled, or evils without will awaken evils within, and the soul will wander in darkness.” The Review and Herald, July 25, 1912

We must ask ourselves, what do I relish looking at and listening to on social media (Facebook, SnapChat, X, etc.), in books and magazines, on television and radio, and online gaming? Do the things that I look at or listen to cause me to love Jesus more? Do they encourage me to live the holy life? Or do they inspire me to desire those things that are ungodly? Does online gaming, which often depicts stealing, murder, war and death, and other violations of God’s law pull me away from things which pertain to Jesus Christ? Do these social media mediums reinforce in my mind unholy traits that cause me to speak and act in unChristlike ways?

Jesus used a similar expression as Peter, when He said, “Let your loins be girded about … .” Luke 12:35. What must the Christian gird his or her mind with? “Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth … .” Ephesians 6:14. Jesus is the Truth. The word girt used in this verse has the same meaning as the word gird used by Jesus and Peter. It means “gird all around.” Why is it so important that we do this?

“Satan and his angels are busy creating a paralyzed condition of the senses so that cautions, warnings, and reproofs shall not be heard; or, if heard, that they shall not take effect upon the heart and reform the life.” Counsels for the Church, 166

“All who name the name of Christ need to watch and pray and guard the avenues of the soul; for Satan is at work to corrupt and destroy if the least advantage is given him.” Testimonies, Vol. 3, 476

We also are reminded, “It is a law both of the intellectual and the spiritual nature, that by beholding, we become changed. The mind gradually adapts itself to the subjects upon which it is allowed to dwell. It becomes assimilated to that which it is accustomed to love and reverence.” The Great Controversy (1888), 555

“The mind of a man or woman does not come down in a moment from purity and holiness to depravity, corruption, and crime. It takes time to transform the human to the divine, or to degrade those formed in the image of God to the brutal or the satanic. By beholding we become changed.” The Adventist Home, 330

Sadly, we daily witness the display of “wicked imaginations” or “thoughts of iniquity.” These “wicked imaginations” are reflected on the billboards along our streets, on the television and social media, in books and magazines, from the music of the day. They speak to mankind’s hopeless condition. God abhors this fourth deadly sin because it corrupts the mind and pollutes the motives, thus leaving the soul morally and spiritually bankrupt.

A man in such a condition has no desire for spiritual things, but instead craves the unfruitful works of darkness. His conscience is rendered insensitive to any and everything that is holy. It is interesting that this fourth deadly sin is no respecter of persons. It doesn’t care who you are. Much like a boa constrictor wraps itself around its prey, squeezing ever more tightly, until it dies and is consumed. This kind of sin holds its captive prisoner until he or she becomes spiritually and morally depraved, dead to righteousness, as a result.

But Jesus offers hope. “Blessed (happy) are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.” Matthew 5:8. Those who do not entertain “wicked imaginations” will be happy because they will have peace in this world and will spend an eternity with God in the next.

May David’s prayer be our prayer, too. “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my Redeemer.” Psalm 19:14

[All Scriptures from the KJV.]

Pastor Ivan Plummer ministers through the Emmanuel Seventh Day Church Ministries in Bronx, New York. He may be contacted by telephone at 718-882-3900.

The Hand that Sheds Innocent Blood

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In recent years, the United States has witnessed a dramatic rise in murder cases. According to the International Business Times, “The total number of people killed last year (2020) stands at 21,500 and the majority of them were in the nation’s largest cities. Some like New York City had 500 murders in 2020 versus 319 in 2019.” Also, Fox News reported that, “The 2021 United States murder rate is estimated to be nearly as high as it was 25 years ago, when more than 19,600 people were killed nationwide.”

The United States experienced possibly the highest surge of all time in mass shootings during 2022. The Insider reported that “The Gun Violence Archive recorded 647 mass shootings in the U.S. in 2022. More than 44,000 people died due to gun violence overall in 2022, according to the Archive.”

There are many reasons given for the continuous rise in the number of violent deaths. However, whatever the cause may be, taking the life of an innocent person is totally unacceptable and is offensive to God!

Seung-Hui Cho, a student at Virginia Tech, gunned down 32 innocent people—27 students and five faculty members—on the college campus in Blacksburg, Virginia, on April 16, 2007. An additional six others were injured while attempting to escape his rampage by jumping out of windows. It is the deadliest school shooting in U.S. history. Cho committed suicide before police could reach him.

Adam Lanza, after killing his mother in their home, shot and killed 20 children and six adults at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, on December 14, 2012, before taking his own life.

Nikolas Cruz killed 17 students and injured 17 others in a shooting spree at Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, on February 14, 2018. He was apprehended, found guilty, and is serving a sentence of life without parole. At the time, this was the deadliest mass shooting at a high school in U.S. history.

Salvador Ramos shot his grandmother during a fight, and then drove to Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, on May 24, 2022, and fatally shot 19 students and two teachers, injuring 17 others. Ramos was killed during an exchange of gunfire with law enforcement.

Payton Gendron, an 18-year-old white male, drove 200 miles on May 14, 2022, to the East Side neighborhood of Buffalo, New York. Stopping at the Tops Friends Markets supermarket, he opened fire in the parking lot, killing three and wounding a fourth. Upon entering the supermarket, he continued firing until he had fatally shot ten people, all of them African Americans and injured three others. He was able to livestream part of his attack, but the service provider was able to quickly shut it down. He was tried and found guilty of all New York state charges, and is serving 11 concurrent life sentences without parole. However, federal charges are still ongoing and federal prosecutors intend to seek the death penalty.

Do Not Hate …

The act of murder—hands that shed innocent blood—is the third deadly sin that God hates.

The sixth commandment teaches, “Thou shalt not kill.” Exodus 20:13. The Hebrew word for kill—ratsach means literally “to dash in pieces (a human being).” So, the hands that shed innocent blood belong to a person who cherishes a murderous and cruel disposition; a person who, rather than see their plan frustrated, will kill even those who have done them no harm.

To the rich young ruler who wanted to know what was required of him in order to be saved, Jesus made plain to him the obvious meaning of the sixth commandment.

“Jesus said, ‘Thou shalt do no murder,’ ‘Thou shalt not commit adultery,’ ‘Thou shalt not steal,’ ‘Thou shalt not bear false witness.’ ” Matthew 19:18

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus gave the clearest understanding of the sixth commandment, “Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.” Matthew 5:21, 22

Here, Jesus seemed to contrast what His hearers had been taught by their religious leaders with what He had imparted to them. However, there was no difference in what they were taught as stated in the Old Testament concerning the sixth commandment except that their teachers failed to emphasize the far-reaching import of “Thou shalt not kill.” The Jewish teachers restricted their teaching to the actual act of murder—the taking of a person’s life unlawfully. Jesus, who wrote and gave the law to Moses at Sinai, stood before these Jews on the Mount of Beatitude to remind them of the broader meaning of the sixth commandment.

More Than an Act

“Ye have heard … But I say unto you.” The Jewish rulers taught the people that murder, which would violate the sixth commandment, was only an action. But for Jesus, murder is not limited to just the physical act. Murder has more to do with the intent of the heart, the evil motive that oftentimes is born out of the spirit of jealousy, revenge, anger, and hatred—all characteristics of our sinful nature.

For this reason, God commanded the Hebrews, “Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart …

“Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself: I am the Lord.” Leviticus 19:17, 18

Jesus describes murder as first existing in the mind. The malice and revenge which would delight in deeds of violence are themselves characteristics of murder. Jesus goes further still, and says, “Whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment.”

“All acts of injustice that tend to shorten life; the spirit of hatred and revenge, or the indulgence of any passion that leads to injurious acts toward others, or causes us even to wish them harm (for ‘whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer’); a selfish neglect of caring for the needy or suffering; all self-indulgence or unnecessary deprivation or excessive labor that tends to injure health—all these are, to a greater or less degree, violations of the sixth commandment.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 308

Why is it that we are commanded not to hate, be angry at, or carry a grudge in our hearts towards our fellow human beings? John the beloved gives us at least three reasons.

“But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.” 1 John 2:11

“Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.” 1 John 3: 15

“If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?” 1 John 4:20

Webster’s Dictionary defines murder as: “to kill a person unlawfully and with malice.” Thus, the actual or literal act of murder is in most, if not all cases, preceded and therefore precipitated by a degree of evil cherished towards a person. Consequently, this actual act of murder is the end product of a series of events.

“Envy is the offspring of pride, and if it is entertained in the heart, it will lead to hatred, and eventually to revenge and murder. Satan displayed his own character in exciting the fury of Saul against him [David] who had never done him harm.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 651

Why Does God Hate Murder?

God hates murder because it originated with the devil who “was a murderer from the beginning” (John 8:44). God hates murder because it’s a satanic trait which corrupts the human mind and separates the person from God. God hates murder because the murderer has no respect for the sacred gift of life. God hates murder because it is an offspring of pride.

Speaking specifically to Seventh-day Adventists, Mrs. White wrote, “The members of the church are to be faithful one to another. It is a sin to cherish anger against anyone. Christ looks upon anger as murder. … A man may think he has occasion for feeling angry, but his passionate [spoken in anger] words are a savor of death unto death. He who utters them is under the control of Satan. In heaven, his wicked railing is placed in the same list as swearing.” The Southern Watchman, January 1, 1903

Is there any occasion when the Christian is allowed to be angry, and if so, when? The apostle Paul counseled the Ephesians, saying, “Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath.” Ephesians 4:26

“There is an anger that is not of this criminal nature. A certain kind of indignation is justifiable, under some circumstances, even in the followers of Christ. When they see God dishonored, His name reviled, and the precious cause of truth brought into disrepute by those who profess to revere it, when they see the innocent oppressed and persecuted, a righteous indignation stirs their soul; such anger, born of sensitive morals, is not a sin.” The Spirit of Prophecy, Vol. 2, 220

The experience of Moses when he threw down the tables of stone (Exodus 32:19) is a perfect example of this kind of anger. The servant of the Lord informs us, “The breaking of the tables of stone was but a representation of the fact that Israel had broken the covenant which they had so recently made with God. It is a righteous indignation against sin, which springs from zeal for the glory of God, not that anger prompted by self-love or wounded ambition, which is referred to in the scripture ‘Be ye angry, and sin not.’ Such was the anger of Moses.” Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 101

God Means What He Says

God is abundantly clear that murder is more than the act of snuffing out the life of another.

“Those who at any supposed provocation feel at liberty to indulge anger or resentment are opening the heart to Satan.” Mind, Character, and Personality, Vol. 2, 516

“If we indulge anger, lust, covetousness, hatred, selfishness, or any other sin, we become servants of sin. ‘No man can serve two masters’ (Matthew 6:24). If we serve sin, we cannot serve Christ.” Ibid.

The Bible clearly states that there will be no murderers in the kingdom of heaven.

“But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers … shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.” Revelation 21:8

“If one murderer were permitted to go unpunished, he would by his evil influence and cruel violence subvert others. This would result in a condition of things similar to that which existed before the flood. God must punish murderers.” Sermons and Talks, Vol. 2, 186, 187

“The spirit of hatred and revenge originated with Satan, and it led him to put to death the Son of God. Whoever cherishes malice or unkindness is cherishing the same spirit, and its fruit will be unto death. In the revengeful thought, the evil deed lies enfolded, as the plant in the seed.” Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, 56

“Blessed are they that do His commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers … .” Revelation 22:14, 15

It is not the raised hand alone that does harm or brings death to our fellow man, making us one who sheds innocent blood. If we harbor negative and hate-filled thoughts and emotions against our neighbor, then murder lives in our hearts and will keep us from heavenly fellowship. But if we surrender our lives to God, allowing the work of transformation to be done, then we can work with Him in purity of mind and heart.

“Is there not a miracle performed every time a soul who is at enmity with God is converted, and learns to love God and to keep His commandments? Is it not a miracle that we can break from the bondage of Satan? Enmity against Satan is not natural to the human heart. It has to be put into the heart by the manifestation of divine power. It is a miracle when the heart is changed, and we love Jesus, and desire to do those things that please Him. We then want to come into close unity with Him … .

“Let us elevate our souls by faith in Christ, for He alone can cleanse us from sin, and purify us from all unrighteousness. Without Him we can do nothing. Let us be true to God; let us pray that the Holy Spirit may be poured out upon us.” The Signs of the Times, April 11, 1892

[All scriptures are from the King James Version]

Pastor Ivan Plummer ministers through the Emmanuel Seventh Day Church Ministries in Bronx, New York. He may be contacted by telephone at 718-882-3900.

The Lying Tongue

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On January 26, 1998, the American people heard these now famous and historic words: “I want to say one thing to the American people. I want you to listen to me. I’m going to say this again: I did not have sexual relations with that woman, Miss Lewinsky. I never told anybody to lie, not a single time, never. These allegations are false, and I need to go back to work for the American people.” Seven months later on August 27, 1998, President Bill Clinton made the following confession, “I did have a relationship with Miss Lewinsky that was not appropriate, in fact, it was wrong.” This action by President Clinton helped to solidify lying as a major character trait of this nation.

According to an article entitled, “The Destructive Effect of Deception:”

“The average American lies 11 times per week. To most of us, lying may seem easier than telling the truth.” (Ben Gustafson, January 26, 2017, Zephyrus, the official student-run news publication of Edina High School.)

According to a recent poll, “By the age of four, 90% of children have learned the concept of lying. Based on studies performed in the past, it is estimated that 60% of adults cannot have a ten-minute conversation without lying at least once. Within those ten minutes, an average of three lies were told. … Most people lie an average of 4 times a day which equates to 1,460 lies every year.” (Brandon Gaille, 25 Nose Growing Statistics on Lying, May 20, 2017)

“These six things the Lord hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him: a proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, a false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren.” Proverbs 6:16–19

As we continue our study of the seven deadly sins that God hates, let’s look at the second deadly sin, the lying tongue.

12% of adults admit to telling a lie often or sometimes
80% of women admit to telling harmless half-truths occasionally
31% of people admit to lying on their resumes
13% of patients lie to their doctor
32% of patients stretched the truth to their doctor
30% lie about their diet and exercise regiments
6 lies/day men tell lies to their partner, boss, or colleagues
3 lies/day women tell to their partner, boss, or colleagues
more common to lie during phone calls than face-to-face chats
1 lie in 7 is discovered as far as liars can tell
10% of lies are just exaggerations and 60% were outright deceptions
70% of liars claim they would tell their lies again

Speaking false statements in our contemporary society is not only habitual, it is also an acceptable behavior. Nevertheless, God hates lying.

It is interesting that even though the Lord hates lying, there are those who see lying as something beneficial to mankind. In Psychology Today, May 1, 1997, Allison Kornet wrote an article titled “The Truth About Lying,” in which she quoted a psychologist who admits, “a certain amount of self-delusion—basically, lying to yourself—is essential to good mental health.” Also, that “… lies are life sustaining.”

Leonard Saxe, Ph.D., a polygraph expert and professor of psychology at Brandeis University, says, “Lying has long been a part of everyday life. We couldn’t get through the day without being deceptive.” Ibid.

Allison Kornet also remarked, “Incidentally, when researchers refer to lying, they don’t include the mindless pleasantries or polite equivocations we offer each other in passing, such as ‘I’m fine, thanks’ or ‘No trouble at all.’ An ‘official’ lie actually misleads, deliberately conveying a false impression. So complimenting a friend’s awful haircut or telling a creditor that the check is in the mail both qualify.” Ibid.

In our modern era, we have learnt to accept what we call “white lies” and “kind lies.” Dr. Bella DePaulo says, “Though some lies produce interpersonal friction, others may actually serve as a kind of harmless social lubricant. ‘They make it easier for people to get along.’ ” Ibid.

Many people will admit that they have come to the point in their lives where they cannot live without lying. The common cliché is “Everybody lies.” Heads of state, politicians, CEOs, security officials, doctors, religious leaders, professors, attorneys, husbands and wives, adults, children—everyone, it seems, lies.

The ninth commandment forbids us to lie, “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.” Exodus 20:16

“False speaking in any matter, every attempt or purpose to deceive our neighbor, is here included. An intention to deceive is what constitutes falsehood. By a glance of the eye, a motion of the hand, an expression of the countenance, a falsehood may be told as effectually as by words. All intentional overstatement, every hint or insinuation calculated to convey an erroneous or exaggerated impression, even the statement of facts in such a manner as to mislead, is falsehood. This precept forbids every effort to injure our neighbor’s reputation by misrepresentation or evil surmising, by slander or tale bearing. Even the intentional suppression of truth, by which injury may result to others, is a violation of the ninth commandment.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 309

Regardless of how human beings feel about lying, God’s attitude regarding lying will never change. As far as He is concerned, the act of lying demands the death penalty. This is evidenced when He literally killed a husband and a wife for simply lying. “But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession. And he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles’ feet. But Peter said, ‘Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit, and to keep back part of the price of the land for yourself?

“While it remained, was it not your own? and after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in thine heart? You have not lied to men but to God.’  

“Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down, and breathed his last. So great fear came upon all those who heard these things. And the young men arose and wrapped him up, carried him out, and buried him.

“Now it was about three hours later when his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. And Peter answered her, ‘Tell me whether you sold the land for so much?’ She said, ‘Yes, for so much.’ Then Peter said to her, ‘How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.’ Then immediately she fell down at his feet, and breathed her last. And the young men came in and found her dead, and carrying her out, buried her by her husband.” Acts 5:1–10. (See also The Acts of the Apostles, 71–73.)

Jesus tells us the definition of a lie and who is the originator of it in John 8:44, “You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.”

The phrase “does not stand in the truth” defines a lie; it is antithetical (opposite) to truth. In Greek, the word lie that Jesus used to describe the devil means “a falsehood, to utter an untruth or attempt to deceive by falsehood.” Therefore, lying has much to do with deception. It is not only the opposite of truth but also anti-truth; it stands against the truth and seeks to take the place of it.

The dictionary defines a lie as “a false statement made with deliberate intent to deceive; an intentional untruth.” John agrees with Jesus that deception is Satan’s nature, “So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.” Revelation 12:9. God hates lying because it originated with Satan, who specifically crafted lies to lead God’s creatures completely out of the way of truth, completely away from the Lord who is the truth.

Inspiration tells us, “The rebellion which took place in heaven under the power of a lie, and the deception which led Adam and Eve to disobey the law of God, opened the floodgates of woe upon our world.” Testimonies, Vol. 6, 190. “It was by a lie that he first gained control over men, and thus he still works to overthrow God’s kingdom in the earth and to bring men under his power.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 37, 38

According to Jesus, lying is the chief weapon Satan uses to overthrow human beings and to destroy God’s kingdom on earth. Consequently, all those who practice lying are children of the devil.

How does lying affect our health?

“According to a 2015 review article, constant lying is associated with an array of negative health outcomes including high blood pressure, increased heart rate, vasoconstriction, and elevated stress hormones in the blood.” (Bill Sullivan, Psychology Today, January 5, 2020)

According to U.S. News and World Report, “Lying is thought to trigger the release of stress hormones, increasing heart rate and blood pressure. Stress reduces your body’s number of infection-fighting white blood cells, and over the years, could contribute to lower-back pain, tension headaches, a rapid heartbeat, menstrual problems, and even infertility.” (Angela Haupt, How Lying Affects Your Health, August 20, 2012)

What are the spiritual implications for lying?

  1. “Every lying tongue will be silenced. Angels’ hands will overthrow the deceptive schemes that are being formed.” The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials, 1647
  2. “Getting treasures by a lying tongue is the fleeting fantasy of those who seek death.” Proverbs 21:6
  3. “The truthful lip shall be established forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment.” Proverbs 12:19
  4. “Whoever hides hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool.” Proverbs 10:18
  5. “Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who deal truthfully are His delight.” Proverbs 12:22
  6. “A righteous man hates lying, but a wicked man is loathsome and comes to shame.” Proverbs 13:5

A person who loves and practices lying will suffer the penalty for lying. This was the case of Gehazi, Elisha’s servant. “But Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, ‘Look, my master has spared Naaman this Syrian, while not receiving from his hands what he brought; but as the Lord lives, I will run after him and take something from him.’ ” 2 Kings 5:20 (Also read verses 21–27.) Gehazi suffered the consequence of lying.

Common Reasons for Lying
To save face
Shift blame
Avoid confrontation
To get one’s way
To be nice
To make oneself feel better

Study participants admitted to lying the most to:

86% parents

75% friends

73% siblings

69% spouses

Source: thetreetop.com/statistics/lying

“Let not one soul think that he can hide from God’s wrath behind a lie, for God will strip from the soul the refuge of lies.” Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 182

Heaven has no place for liars.

“But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” Revelation 21:8

“Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city. But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie.” Revelation 22:14, 15

“Satan offers to men the kingdoms of the world if they will yield to him the supremacy. Many do this and sacrifice heaven. It is better to die than to sin; better to want than to defraud; better to hunger than to lie. Let all who are tempted meet Satan with these words: ‘Blessed is everyone that feareth the Lord; that walketh in His ways. For thou shalt eat the labor of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee.’ Here is a condition and a promise which will be unmistakably realized. Happiness and prosperity will be the result of serving the Lord.” Testimonies, Vol. 4, 495

Pastor Ivan Plummer ministers through the Emmanuel Seventh Day Church Ministries in Bronx, New York. He may be contacted by telephone at 718-882-3900.

The Proud Look

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Some sins are regarded with more disdain than others, often shaped by culture and religious persuasions. Some consider sexual sins to be at the top of the list when assigning the degree of wickedness, while others might feel disrespect is a much more egregious sin. For some religious groups, sacrilege is the sin of all sins, and the list goes on and on.

Interestingly, while there are degrees of sin in the Bible, we must note that God does not view matters as we mortals do. A great offence or trifling matter to us may not be deemed the same by God.

“God does not regard all sins as of equal magnitude; there are degrees of guilt in His estimation, as well as in that of man; but however trifling this or that wrong act may seem in the eyes of men, no sin is small in the sight of God. Man’s judgment is partial, imperfect; but God estimates all things as they really are.” Steps to Christ, 30

The Bible tells us that God is love, so to find that it also says He hates might be hard to imagine. However, Solomon—considered the wisest man ever to live—tells us that God hates seven things. Sadly, some Christians and non-Christians, too, do not regard these seven sins as highly offensive, and they commit them almost every day without a thought of just how heinous they are in nature and to God.

Note carefully that these sins are seven in number. While this distinction may not have any Scriptural significance in this study, seven in the Bible denotes completion or perfection. Hence, we may conclude that where these seven sins are concerned, God hates them with perfect hatred. As we study each sin, we will better understand why God hates them.

Seven Deadly Sins

“These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto Him: a proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, an heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, a false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.” Proverbs 6:16–19

When a person reads the book of Proverbs, he will notice that the wise man mentions these seven deadly sins several times. Indeed, they are not the only sins that Solomon wrote about, but it is evident that because of the nature of these sins, the Holy Spirit instructed him to focus on them, not just for his benefit but also for the benefit of all his readers. These seven sins have caused more harm in heaven and earth than possibly all other sins combined. I can now begin to study the seven sins God hates, beginning with pride.

Pride

The Bible defines pride as “arrogance, haughtiness, swelling, pomp; to inflate with self-conceit, high-minded.” The Dictionary defines pride as “a high or inordinate opinion of one’s own dignity, importance, merit, or superiority, whether as cherished in the mind or as displayed in bearing, conduct.” Synonyms for pride are conceit, self-esteem, egotism, vanity, and vainglory. God calls pride, along with the other six deadly sins, an abomination.

Of Roman or pagan origin, abomination, when used as a verb, denotes “the feeling of abhorrence for what was ill-omened.” In the moral sphere, all evil conduct is like a bad omen, exciting dread, and aversion because of boding calamity. In the direct language of the Bible, referring all things immediately to God, abominations are defined as “things that Jehovah hates, and that are an aversion to His soul.” Pulpit Commentary on Proverbs 6:16

Why does God hate pride?

“These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto Him: a proud look … .” The first deadly sin which God hates is pride. What is the meaning of pride?

How does the servant of the Lord define pride? “Pride feels no need, and so it closes the heart against Christ and the infinite blessings He came to give. There is no room for Jesus in the heart of such a person.” Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, 7

What is so evil about pride that allows Jesus to abhor it?

Speaking concerning the fall of Lucifer, the prophet Ezekiel wrote, “Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness.” Ezekiel 28:17

The prophet Isaiah records the attitude that controlled Lucifer and led to his fall in heaven. “How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.” Isaiah 14:12–14

Mrs. White tells us, “It was pride and ambition that prompted Lucifer to complain of the government of God, and to seek the overthrow of the order which had been established in heaven.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 403. She also points out that, “Little by little, Lucifer came to indulge a desire for self-exaltation.” The Great Controversy, 494

Again, we are told that “Pride in his own glory nourished the desire for supremacy. The high honors conferred upon Lucifer were not appreciated as the gift of God and called forth no gratitude to the Creator. He gloried in his brightness and exaltation, and aspired to be equal with God.” Ibid., 495

God hates pride because it is Satan’s sin. Originating with him and causing discord in heaven, Satan brought sin, misery, and separation into the universe. Inspiration gives us a glimpse of the disposition Lucifer displayed in heaven, “Though he had forsaken his position as covering cherub, yet if he had been willing to return to God, acknowledging the Creator’s wisdom, and satisfied to fill the place appointed him in God’s great plan, he would have been reinstated in his office. But pride forbade him to submit. He persistently defended his own course, maintained that he had no need of repentance, and fully committed himself, in the great controversy, against his Maker.” Ibid., 496

What caused Lucifer to lose heaven? “It was the pride and ambition cherished in the heart of Satan that banished him from heaven.” Testimonies, Vol. 5, 242

God hates pride because of its nature. “There is nothing so offensive to God or so dangerous to the human soul as pride and self-sufficiency. Of all sins it is the most hopeless, the most incurable.” Christ Object Lessons, 154

The Holy Spirit inspired Solomon to list pride as the first of these seven deadly sins because it is at the root of all disobedience and rebellion against God’s law because it is rooted in selfishness. Pride is the opposite of humility, which the apostle Paul gives as the basis of all the divine virtues. “With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love, endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:2, 3

The Scriptures remind us how much God is against pride.

“But He giveth more grace. Wherefore He saith, God resisteth the proud.” James 4:6, first part

“For Thou wilt save the afflicted people; but wilt bring down high looks.” Psalm 18:27

“He judgeth those that are high.” Job 21:22, last part. It is against this spirit that Job prays, “Cast abroad the rage of Thy wrath: and behold every one that is proud, and abase him. Look on every one that is proud, and bring him low; and tread down the wicked in their place.” Job 40:11, 12

Negative spiritual results of pride

“When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.” Proverbs 11:2

“Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.” Proverbs 13:10

“Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.” Proverbs 16:18

“A man’s pride shall bring him low: but honor shall uphold the humble in spirit.” Proverbs 29:23 (See also Daniel 4:37.)

“ ‘Therefore as I live,’ saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, ‘Surely Moab shall be as Sodom, and the children of Ammon as Gomorrah, even the breeding of nettles and saltpits, and a perpetual desolation: the residue of My people shall spoil them, and the remnant of My people shall possess them.’

“This shall they have for their pride, because they have reproached and magnified themselves against the people of the Lord of hosts.” Zephaniah 2:9, 10

“The vision of Obadiah. Thus saith the Lord God concerning Edom; we have heard a rumor from the Lord, and an ambassador is sent among the heathen, Arise ye, and let us rise up against her in battle.

“Behold, I have made thee small among the heathen: thou art greatly despised.

“The pride of thine heart hath deceived thee, thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation is high; that saith in his heart, Who shall bring me down to the ground?

“Though thou exalt thyself as the eagle, and though thou set thy nest among the stars, thence will I bring thee down, saith the Lord.” Obadiah 1–4

“Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.” 1 Timothy 3:6

“Pride … destroys love for God and corrodes the soul.” Selected Messages, Vol. 2, 185

“Satan has much more power over some who profess the truth than many realize. Self reigns in the heart, instead of Christ. Self-will, self-interest, envy, and pride shut out the presence of God.” Testimonies, Vol. 4, 610

“Pride of heart is a fearful trait of character. ‘Pride goeth before destruction.’ This is true in the family, the church, and the nation.” Ibid., 377

“Alas that pride, unbelief, and selfishness, like a foul cancer, are eating out vital godliness from the heart of many a professed Christian!” That I May Know Him, 167

“The light of truth is constantly shining, but many men and women comprehend it not. And why?—Because selfishness, egotism, pride, blinds their spiritual eyesight. Standing between them and the true light, is the idol of their own opinion.” Manuscript Releases, Vol. 9, 298

“But when the garden of the heart is neglected, poisonous weeds of pride, self-esteem, self-sufficiency, obtain a rank growth.” Evangelism, 342

How can we overcome or be set free from pride?

To overcome pride, we must die to self. Jesus invites us to come to Him. “Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” Matthew 11:28, 29

“You mistake pride for sensitiveness. Self is prominent. When self is crucified, then this sensitiveness, or pride, will die; until then you are not a Christian.” Testimonies, Vol. 2, 573

“Never will the human heart know happiness until it is submitted to be molded by the Spirit of God. The Spirit conforms the renewed soul to the model, Jesus Christ. Through its influence, enmity against God is changed into faith and love, and pride into humility.” Our High Calling, 152

“The divine love ruling in the heart exterminates pride and selfishness.” Testimonies, Vol. 5, 168

[All scripture from KJV.]

Pastor Ivan Plummer ministers through the Emmanuel Seventh Day Church Ministries in Bronx, New York. He may be contacted by telephone at 718-882-3900.