“An evildoer listens closely to wicked lips; And a liar pays attention to a destructive and malicious tongue.” Proverbs 17:4 AMP

Since the book of Proverbs deals with behavior, it isn’t a surprise that it measures behavior by a standard of morality. This where the rub with sin begins! When discussing morality, it can be both descriptive and normative. Descriptive refers to the codes of conduct put forth for the acceptance of behavior. Normative refers to the codes of conduct that given specified conditions, would be put forward by rational people. It compares what is against what should be. So the question needs to be asked, “Is there a standard (what is right) by which we can use to measure behavior (what actions should be)?” In the opening verse of Proverbs, you may remember that answer to this question,

“To know [skillful and godly] wisdom and instruction; To discern and comprehend the words of understanding and insight, 3To receive instruction in wise behavior and the discipline of wise thoughtfulness, Righteousness, justice, and integrity;4That prudence (good judgment, astute common sense) may be given to the naive or inexperienced [who are easily misled], And knowledge and discretion (intelligent discernment) to the youth, 5The wise will hear and increase their learning, And the person of understanding will acquire wise counsel and the skill [to steer his course wisely and lead others to the truth],” 

Proverbs 1:2-5 AMP

Here we find that God has given us all of the knowledge we need to make moral decisions and walk in ethical obedience! Once we have a place to place of feet on stable ground, then we can begin to determine is our actions and behavior can be deemed moral or immoral! Jesus told us that the Word of God is like a “firm foundation.” Pau wrote to Timothy these words,

“3If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrine and teaching which is in agreement with godliness (personal integrity, upright behavior), 4he is conceited and woefully ignorant [understanding nothing]. He has a morbid interest in controversial questions and disputes about words, which produces envy, quarrels, verbal abuse, evil suspicions, 5and perpetual friction between men who are corrupted in mind and deprived of the truth, who think that godliness is a source of profit [a lucrative, money-making business–withdraw from them]. 6But godliness actually is a source of great gain when accompanied by contentment [that contentment which comes from a sense of inner confidence based on the sufficiency of God].”

1 Timothy 6:3-6 AMP

The problem begins when “corrupted minds deprived of the truth” begin to rewrite the standards to normalize their sinful ways. Notice that Paul qualifies the acceptance of God’s ways,

6But godliness actually is a source of great gain when accompanied by contentment [that contentment which comes from a sense of inner confidence based on the sufficiency of God].: 1 Timothy 6:3 AMP

The word “evil doer” is the Hebrew word means “one who acts morally corrupt according a standard or guide.” Isaiah perfectly describes the current generation inhabiting planet earth today,

“Ah, sinful nation, A people loaded down with wickedness [with sin, with injustice, with wrongdoing], Offspring of evildoers, Sons who behave corruptly! They have abandoned (rejected) the LORD, They have despised the Holy One of Israel [provoking Him to anger], They have turned away from Him.”

Isaiah 1:4 AMP

Evil doers will always support other evil doers. Just as the righteous will listen and take heed to the words of life. Be careful to avoid vain and worthless arguments and thoughts that exalt themselves above Jesus Christ! Psalms 119 says it well,

“I hate those with divided loyalties, but I love your instructions. 114You are my refuge and my shield; your word is my source of hope. 115Get out of my life, you evil-minded people, for I intend to obey the commands of my God. 116LORD, sustain me as you promised, that I may live! Do not let my hope be crushed. 117Sustain me, and I will be rescued; then I will meditate continually on your decrees. 118But you have rejected all who stray from your decrees. They are only fooling themselves. 119You skim off the wicked of the earth like scum; no wonder I love to obey your laws! 120I tremble in fear of you; I stand in awe of your regulations.”

Psalms 119:113-120 AMP

Have a blessed day, Pastor Ken