“Therefore the prudent keep silent at that time, For it is an evil time. Seek good and not evil, That you may live; So the Lord God of hosts will be with you, As you have spoken. Hate evil, love good; Establish justice in the gate. It may be that the Lord God of hosts Will be gracious to the remnant of Joseph.”
Amos 5:13-15 NKJV
I heard most of my life – and likely even told my children – not to hate someone or something. Dislike is ok – but hate is unkind.
But – is it? Is it unkind to hate evil?
The Hebrew word used in this passage is raʿ and is translated into English as “the evil”. In this passage it means that which is “ethically evil” – in other words, what G-d calls evil.
“Hate” – śānē’ – be an enemy of the “the evil”. Hate what He hates:
“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 NKJV
And instead love – āhaḇ – have affection for (like a husband and wife)- the things that He loves. How do we know what He loves and what pleases Him? We look to the words of His Son, Yeshua:
““Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Torah?” And He said to him, “‘You shall love Adonai your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’”
Matthew 22:36-39 TLV
Love Him – cling to Him, cleave to His Word and His presence – and shun, turn your back on, and dare I say hate evil. The days ahead will only get darker; therefore, be prudent, ask for wisdom, learn to hear His voice, walk in obedience, and draw close.
Father – thank You for Your Word. Convict me to hate what You hate. Draw me close to Your word and Your presence. You are good and You keep doing good. Your leadership in my life is perfect and You can be trusted. Amen.
Daily Reading: Amos 1-5
July 11, 2022