7) "One who sows discord among the brethren."

Welcome to our final point from Proverbs 6:16-19.

This section is describing a person who tries to cause division by creating strife in a group or congregation, among people. In simple terms this is describing a trouble maker. 

If they find someone they don't like they will say and do whatever they can to turn the rest of the group or congregation against that individual or family.

This person is never satisfied because they will always find something wrong with someone and will try their best to turn other people against them. This speaks to the unhappiness of the one determined to cause the hurt.

Another goal of a person like this is when they don't agree with what is being taught they will work in the background and try to find others who listen to them and get them to fight against the people who will not listen to them.

Their main goal is push their particular idea on others and make a huge deal about it even if it is not a salvation issue. This is very sad when it happens but it does happen and far too often.

The Bible warns us in many places to watch out for these types of people because they are dangerous and can cause harm to the church.

Ephesians 5:6-7 "Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not be partakers with them."

Colossians 2:8 "Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ."

Paul also warns Timothy that we are to avoid getting into to petty arguments that have nothing to do with your salvation. 

1 Timothy 6:20-21 "O Timothy! Guard what was committed to your trust, avoiding the profane and idle babblings and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge -- 21 by professing it some have strayed concerning the faith."

The Bible teaches us that we are not to allow these type of people to remain in congregation if they continue you to do this. 

Romans 16:17-18 "Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. 18 For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple."
Paul told Titus,

Titus 3:10-11 "Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition, 11 knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned."

Over and over again we see the warnings that these type of people do exist and they should not be allowed to have the opportunity to cause problems and division in a congregation.

Notice what Jesus prays for in John 17:20-21.
"I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; 21 "that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me."

This is one way that we can battle against this sin. If we are doing all we can to be like minded and our unity is based on 'The Word of God', it's going to be very difficult for someone to continue to cause trouble or division. Paul taught this very message to the church at Corinth who had a big problem with division.

1 Corinthians 1:10-13 "Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment (purpose). 11 For it has been declared to me concerning you, my brethren, by those of Chloe's household, that there are contentions(debate, strife) among you. 12 Now I say this, that each of you says, "I am of Paul," or "I am of Apollos," or "I am of Cephas," or "I am of Christ." 13 Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?"

Paul was pleading with these Christians not to be divided because Christ is not divided and the way they were to accomplish that was to be of the same mind of Christ, speaking and teaching the same things.

You see when you have unity based upon the Word of God there is never to be any division. 

We have examined 7 things that God hates and if God hates these sins then we should too. We need to realize that if we are involved in any of these sins, we are opposed to God and if we remain in the sins we will be eternally lost. 
Also we talked about several ways that we can keep ourselves from being involved in these different sins. 

I would like to close this lesson by looking on in Proverbs 6 because the writer gives some great advice on how to overcome these 7 sins that God hates.

Proverbs 6:20-22 "My son, keep your father's command, And do not forsake the law of your mother. 21 Bind them continually upon your heart; Tie them around your neck. 22 When you roam, they will lead you; When you sleep, they will keep you; And when you awake, they will speak with you.

Jesus said in John 14:15, "If you love Me, keep My commandments."

God bless and keep 'The Faith'.
"The Time is Near."