The ABCs of Proverbs

P Is for Pure

The LORD detests the thoughts of the wicked, but those of the pure are pleasing to Him.

—Proverbs 15:26

Have you ever wondered how to please God? The answer to that question is in this proverb. He finds pleasure in the thoughts of the pure.

This is not the only place we read of this. In Psalm 24:3–5, we read,

Who may ascend the hill of the LORD? Who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul unto an idol or swear by what is false. He will receive blessing from the LORD, and vindication from the God his Savior.

Another reference to this is in the beatitudes as taught in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:8) when Jesus says, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.”

God places a premium on pure thoughts because He is holy, and you’ll notice that pureness is to be found in our thoughts. People can appear to be righteous, yet if we could read their minds or see their secret activities, we might find that their thoughts are far from pure.

Unfortunately, in this age and culture, purity of thought is more difficult than ever. We may be bombarded daily, even hourly, with sexual innuendoes, violence, and worse if we turn on the TV, go to the movies, or watch unfiltered Internet videos. Often at the office or places of learning, blasphemy and dirty stories abound. It’s almost impossible to avoid hearing someone take the Lord’s name in vain.

This has become so commonplace that many of us have become immune to it. Even if we don’t act out or say unclean things ourselves, we are almost forced to have these thoughts enter our minds through our eyes and ears. As adults we may be able to refuse to dwell on these things, but think what these influences do to our children. Even many of the cartoons and G-rated movies that are produced have objectionable material subtly or blatantly introduced.

Are we guilty of evil thoughts which have become so “everyday” that we aren’t even aware of our sin? The less time we spend with God, the more comfortable we will feel in the presence of those things or people that regularly spew out impure and unholy words and/or pictures.

Make a decision today to seek God’s help in remaining pure in thought, for “as [a man] thinketh in his heart, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7 KJV).

Prayer: Most holy and compassionate Father, please protect our hearts and minds from the evil thoughts, words, and illustrations expressed so vividly around us. Forgive us for our tendency to allow these thoughts to penetrate into our being. Instead, Lord, fill us with Your Holy Spirit that there will be no room for ungodly thoughts and we may remain faithful in every area of our thought and life. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.