Story - The Seven Shadows (based on Proverb 6: 16-19)
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“There are six things the Lord
hates, seven that are an abomination to Him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue,
hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that
are quick to run to evil, a false witness who pours out lies, and one who stirs
up conflict among brothers.”
The Seven Shadows
In the bustling town of Willowbrook, there lived a
young man named Eli, who had recently opened a small bakery. Everyone in town
admired his skill, but there were whispers of trouble following him. Eli didn’t
know it, but the seven “shadows” mentioned in an old proverb were quietly
shaping the lives around him—and he was about to see their consequences
firsthand.
1. Haughty Eyes
Eli’s neighbor, Margot, was a woman proud of her
wealth and status. She would look down her nose at anyone poorer than her,
including Eli. One day, she criticized his new bakery window display, sneering,
“This is amateur work—are you sure you can handle real business?” Eli felt
stung but chose to ignore it. Soon, Margot’s pride isolated her; people avoided
her, preferring humble, warm-hearted friends.
2. A Lying Tongue
Across town, Tom, a rival baker, spread rumors about
Eli’s ingredients, claiming they were unsafe. Customers started questioning
Eli’s bakery, even though every test proved the food was fresh and healthy. Eli
realized that lies could erode trust faster than any misstep in baking.
3. Hands that Shed Innocent Blood
In the corporate offices nearby, a young executive,
Daniel, cheated in a contract deal that ruined a small family business. The
injustice shook Eli when he delivered bread to the affected family. They spoke
of sleepless nights and lost savings, and Eli understood that the harm done by
hands guided by greed left scars deeper than any wound.
4. A Heart That Devises Wicked Plans
Eli noticed a group of workers plotting to sabotage
his bakery by introducing spoiled ingredients to the local market. Their envy
had turned into a secret, evil scheme. Though tempted to retaliate, Eli chose
patience and prayer, letting honesty and integrity guide his response.
5. Feet Quick to Run to Evil
Some town youths began bullying a classmate to get
him to steal for them. Eli witnessed how easily temptation could carry even the
innocent into wrongdoing. He intervened, showing kindness and teaching
responsibility, halting a path toward ruin.
6. A False Witness Who Pours Out Lies
During a town council meeting, someone falsely
accused Eli of violating health codes. His reputation hung in the balance. With
careful documentation, witnesses, and truth, Eli exposed the lies. The town
learned how destructive a false witness could be—and the relief of truth
restored faith in justice.
7. One Who Stirs Up Conflict Among Brothers
Finally, Eli’s own siblings quarreled over their
inherited family farm. Words escalated into bitterness, threatening years of
love. Eli shared the old proverb with them, reminding them how quarrels, like a
small fire, could consume what they cherished. Slowly, the siblings chose
reconciliation over strife.
Resolution
By the end of the year, Eli’s bakery thrived—not
because he avoided the shadows entirely, but because he navigated them with
humility, truth, compassion, and patience. The town of Willowbrook learned too:
pride, lies, cruelty, scheming, hasty wrongdoing, false testimony, and
unnecessary conflict could be fatal to relationships, but integrity,
forgiveness, and love preserved community.
And every night, Eli would read the old proverb by
candlelight, smiling: “Seven things the Lord hates—but living right, you can
rise above them all.”
Life Applications of Proverbs
6:16-19
1. Haughty Eyes (Pride/Arrogance)
Application: Avoid looking down on others because
of their status, wealth, or abilities.
Practical Step: Practice humility—compliment
others, listen more than you speak, and acknowledge that everyone has value.
Reflection: Do I ever feel “better than” someone
else? How can I choose humility instead?
2. A Lying Tongue
Application: Speak truthfully, even when lies seem
easier or more convenient.
Practical Step: Pause before speaking and ask, “Is
this honest? Is it helpful?”
Reflection: Have I ever told a lie that hurt
someone or damaged trust? How can I rebuild honesty?
3. Hands That Shed Innocent Blood
Application: Don’t harm the vulnerable or
innocent—physically, emotionally, or spiritually.
Practical Step: Stand up for those who can’t defend
themselves; be a voice for justice.
Reflection: Who might be suffering because of
injustice around me, and what can I do to help?
4. A Heart That Devises Wicked Plans
Application: Guard your thoughts and intentions;
don’t plot harm or manipulate others.
Practical Step: Whenever you feel anger or jealousy
rising, pause and pray or reflect before acting.
Reflection: Are there secret thoughts or plans I
need to surrender to God for correction?
5. Feet Quick to Run to Evil
Application: Don’t be quick to follow temptation or
join in wrongdoing.
Practical Step: Identify situations or people that
lead you into bad habits and set healthy boundaries.
Reflection: Am I running toward or away from evil
influences in my life?
6. A False Witness Who Pours Out Lies
Application: Avoid gossip, exaggeration, or
speaking falsely about others.
Practical Step: Commit to speaking truth, even if
it is hard. Correct false information when you hear it.
Reflection: Have I contributed to misinformation or
hurt someone with my words? How can I make it right?
7. One Who Stirs Up Conflict Among Brothers
Application: Don’t provoke fights or divide
communities, families, or friendships.
Practical Step: Be a peacemaker; seek
reconciliation, encourage dialogue, and diffuse tension.
Reflection: Where is conflict in my life that I can
help heal rather than inflame?
Living a life that avoids these seven abominations
is about humility, honesty, integrity, self-control, and peacemaking. By
actively practicing these, we honor God and build healthy relationships with
others.
Reflection
Proverbs 6:16-19 reminds us that God values
integrity, humility, and love in our daily lives. The seven things He
hates—pride, lying, harming the innocent, wicked plotting, rushing to evil,
false witnessing, and sowing discord—are not just ancient instructions; they
are warnings for our modern relationships, workplaces, and communities.
Reflect today:
Where have I allowed pride or arrogance to
influence my thoughts or actions?
Have my words or deeds hurt others, intentionally
or unintentionally?
Am I quick to join in wrongdoing, or do I pause and
choose the right path?
How can I be a peacemaker in my family, workplace,
and community?
Living rightly is not just about avoiding wrong—it
is about actively choosing kindness, honesty, and reconciliation in every
decision. God calls us to reflect His character in the way we think, speak, and
act.
Lord, today I come before You
with a humble heart.
Forgive me for the times I have
been proud, arrogant, or judgmental.
Cleanse my tongue from lies and
my hands from harming others, knowingly or unknowingly.
Help me to guard my heart against
wicked thoughts and schemes.
Teach me to resist temptation,
speak truth, and bring peace where there is conflict.
Fill me with Your wisdom, so my
life may reflect Your love, integrity, and righteousness.
May my actions honor You, and may
I be a source of blessing to those around me, today and always. Amen.
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