7/28/13 Zechariah 8:17 Do Not Devise Evil in Your Heart Against Another

Zechariah 8:17 (NAS)

Also let none of you devise evil in your heart against another, and do not love perjury; for all these are what I hate, declares the LORD.

 

Zechariah 8:17 (NIVUS)

Do not plot evil against your neighbor, and do not love to swear falsely. I hate all this, declares the LORD.

 

Adonai, the Lord your God, has made you a great and mighty man, a champion of high degree.  He has set a higher standard for your life than other men.  He has also given you a very active and creative imagination; however, He does not want you to use that gift to produce bad or evil.  You should not plot or contrive adversity and affliction against your associates and companions.  It would be easy for you to weave and fabricate harm and mischief against your neighbor, your brother, or your spouse.  If you devise and invent things to break another in pieces, thinking that he is good for nothing, then you are sporting the Lord's displeasure.  Do not let any evil or wicked thoughts about another remain in your heart.
 
Your enemy will try to plant lies and falsehoods in your thoughts about others.  These are nothing but deceitful shams meant to trick you into speaking curses against someone else.  Instead of swearing an oath seven times against your neighbor, extend forgiveness to him seventy times seven, as the Lord Jesus Christ has taught you.  You know that the Lord Jehovah hates when you think about and treat others in a wrong manner.  These things stink in His nostrils.  Those who act like this are actually foes and enemies of the Lord. 

But you are not an enemy of the Lord.  You are His beloved child and you have His nature.  Therefore, choose to act like your Heavenly Father.

 (Originally written 11/12/05)