Proverbs 24:9

The book of Proverbs gives us a lot of instruction on a lot of different subjects. One subject that can keep us in God’s wisdom is Godly Follower-ship. Who we follow; where we follow; how we follow are all spoken about in Proverbs. Here is one of them about the nature of sin:

Proverbs 24:9 (ESV)

The devising of folly is sin,

and the scoffer is an abomination to mankind.

We tend to think of sin as an act or behavior that is contrary to the character of God. However, in this proverb, Solomon tells us that just the "devising" of folly is sin. So, the mere thought or planning of sin is sin, not simply the act. The second line shows us even more depth in regard to sin and its character. "Scoffing" is also seen, even by men, as an "abomination." It is import to realize that our heart and attitude of mind is sin; something falling short of the glory and the character of God. We have to realize that the thought of sinning is sinning. We don't need an act to become a sinner. Our sin nature is just that; a nature. We need to be weary of allowing our minds to believe that only acts count as sin. It is our very nature that offends God. Our acts are simply outcomes of our nature. When you think your offense toward God is only outward acts you think more about yourself than you should. It is not our acts but who we are that is offensive to God.