Feet That Are Quick to Rush Into Evil

Proverbs 6:16-19

There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him:

1.  Haughty eyes

2.  A lying tongue

3.  Hands that shed innocent blood

4.  A heart that devises wicked schemes

5.  Feet that are quick to rush into evil

6.  A false witness who pours out lies

7.  A person who stirs up conflict in the community

This may sound bad, but I love the movie White Chicks. This may get me into some trouble, but my family and I always seem to quote this movie all the time. If you decide to watch it because you are reading this devotional, just know that I love laughing, and I raised four girls, so I can relate to all the drama. One line we always quote is, “…but you were thinking it!” In the movie, this line comes right after Britney says something that no one else would say and tries to defend her comment by saying, “…well, you were thinking it.” When something comes out of our mouths that shouldn’t, it is too late.

The 5th deadly sin is “feet that race to do wrong” (NLT). Discussing the previous deadly sin, we learned that your heart has a lot to do with how we act. This sin the Lord hates is putting your evil into action. Not only putting evil into action, but acting upon the evil desire and rushing into sin with boldness. Here are some different translations of this sin: (NIV) feet that are quick to rush into evil, (AMP) feet that run swiftly to evil, (NLT) feet that run rapidly to evil, (NASB) feet that run rapidly to evil. You get the sense that the person who does this is on a track team and could possibly win some award for being the first to act upon the evil desires of his heart.

It is so much worse than just “thinking it.” You see, acting upon the sinful desire is something to be concerned about, but swiftly running into the sin is a whole different thing. On the schoolyard, we used to call them bullies. There was always one guy who would be the mob boss of the elementary school, and the playground was his territory. He always had some sidekicks who would do his bidding and push other kids around. If you were the one getting pushed around, you knew who was in charge and, yes, he would swiftly act upon his evil desires. You grow this kid up, and he becomes a soldier in the real mob, and we can go down a very dark hole of evil. All of this is acting out the 5th deadly sin. These people rush into evil and give it no thought at all.

Today, realize that acting upon the sin that Satan is tempting you with is a dark hole you do not want to go down. Typically, we see boredom and idleness in someone’s life, and that is when sin has the best chance of being acted upon. Sure, you may not rush into it at first, but like I said before, it is a slippery slope. Instead of being bored and staying idle, make plans to do something with other people who you know will steer you in the right direction. You may have to get rid of some friends who rush into all sorts of bad things, but remember, the Lord has so much more for you. He can use all of your past rushing into evil for His good. Someday, when the Lord has cleaned you up, you will be able to use your testimony to help someone out and to shine the light of Jesus on them. Remember, Jesus paid it all, and all to Him I owe. Sin had left a crimson stain, and He washed it white as snow. Praise the Lord.

Prayer: Father, stop me from rushing into evil. I pray for strength in standing strong against the tide of sin Satan has tempted me with. I pray for the faith to walk and for my sight to be focused upon the Lord at all times. In Jesus’ name, amen.