In Proverbs 24:9 we read, The thought of foolishness is sin: and the scorner is an abomination to men. Recently, Dave Crowe reported that a main bridge in Papua New Guinea was washed out by raging waters after a downpour of rain. Rushing water has the power to erode hard material, undermine solid structures and cause great damage.

The devil wants to destroy your character, your morals, your marriage, your young people, your family structure and your walk with God. Today one of his most effective tools is to control one’s thoughts. If he can control your thoughts, he will control your actions.

Bad thoughts, if they are not stopped, will erode all that you value and make a huge mess of your life. Evil thoughts lead to lust, immorality, broken marriages, stealing, unkindness, and even murder.

What is your thought-life like? What thoughts fill your mind? To strengthen your personal walk with God and fortify your family, you must stop all evil thoughts before they erode your character.

Transition

This evening I want to answer three questions about eroding thoughts that can help you stop them before they ruin your life.

What Are Eroding Thoughts?

  1. First, let’s consider some Bible definitions
    1. The two main Hebrew words translated thoughts in the book of proverbs are usually negative describing evil plans, lustful thoughts, evil purposes, or evil invention.
    2. Evil thoughts may include lust, hate, jealousy, evil ideas, discontent, bitterness, rebellion, selfishness, bad desires.
  2. Next, let me give you some Bible descriptions
    1. These six things doth the LORD hate: … (Proverbs 6:18) An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, Wicked thoughts begin in a wicked heart.
    2. (Proverbs 15:26) The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination [highly offensive] to the LORD: but the words of the pure are pleasant words.
    3. (Proverbs 10:23) It is as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding hath wisdom. Fools laugh at evil thoughts.
    4. (Proverbs 21:27) The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind? The mock worship of a wicked person highly offends God, especially when his thoughts are evil.
    5. (Proverbs 24:9) The thought of foolishness is sin: and the scorner is an abomination to men. Evil thoughts are not harmlessly hidden in our hearts. They are known by God and are wicked sins.

What Feeds Eroding Thoughts?

  1. The Bible gives us several answers.
    1. (Proverbs 6:18) An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, Wicked thoughts come from wicked hearts. Jesus said, (Matthew 15:19) For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: If our hearts are full of sinful things, our thoughts will be as well.
    2. (Proverbs 15:26) The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD: but the words of the pure are pleasant words. A person who does not care that he offends God will think evil thoughts.
    3. (Proverbs 16:3) Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established. If we do not commit or roll our works on the Lord and give him full control of our lives, we will think what we want to think.
    4. (Proverbs 10:23) It is as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding hath wisdom. Foolish entertainment that encourages laughing at sin will feed evil thoughts.
  2. As we look around we see other answers.
    1. All around us today are opportunities to feed eroding thoughts – TV, videos, Internet, Facebook, computer games, texting, magazines, love novels, immodesty, bad friends, godless music, the cinema, and peer pressure.
    2. Lack of self-discipline will feed eroding thoughts. If you follow your flesh, you will have bad thoughts.

How Can We Prevent Eroding Thoughts?

  1. Here are some of the Bible solutions.
    1. (Psalm 19:14) Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer. Regularly ask God to take control of your meditations.
    2. (Proverbs 4:23) Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. Guard and protect your heart. Do not let anything in that is harmful.
    3. (Proverbs 12:5) The thoughts of the righteous are right: but the counsels of the wicked are deceit. If you think right you can be right.
    4. (Proverbs 16:3) Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established. Daily give your activities to the Lord and ask him to control them.
    5. (Romans 13:14) But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof. I shared this verse with the youth not long ago. We must put on Christ’s armour and not think about lustful things at all.
    6. (Philippians 4:8) Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Thinking right thoughts not only helps prevent worry, it also helps protect our character.
    7. (James 4:7) Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (8) Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. (9) Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. (10) Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up. Nothing you can do to protect your thoughts will help more than staying close to the Lord. Memorize these verses and apply them daily to your life.
    8. (1 Thessalonians 5:21) Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. (22) Abstain from all appearance of evil. Let the Bible be your thought guide. Sift every thought through the Bible. If Jesus would not think a thought, then you should not either.
  2. Note also some personal solutions.
    1. Stop feeding your bad thoughts.
      1. Guard or stop watching TV.
      2. Sift all videos through the Bible sifter.
      3. Stop reading love novels. They only feed lust and discontentment. They do not help you spiritually.
      4. Change your friends. Stay away from friends that get you thinking bad thoughts.
      5. If you use Facebook, choose your friends carefully. Remove any that cause you to think discontented or evil thoughts.
      6. If anyone sends you texts that cause evil thoughts, block their number.
    2. Put a good filter on your phone and Internet.
      1. Basic filters that come with internet programs or phones are not sufficient. They do not block godless sights.
      2. Filters are not just for your children. They are for EVERY Christian. Filters are our friends. They block temptations and keep our minds protected. Let your spouse or trusted friend set the password.
      3. K9 offers a free filter that works well and does not slow you down.
      4. Qustodio offers a great filter with parental reports (5 users/5 devices @ $44.95/yr).
      5. Parents, take control. Do not trust your child’s flesh. That is foolish. Put a filter on all of their devices for their good and your peace of mind.

Conclusion

What have your thoughts been like? Have you been thinking eroding thoughts? If so, they are eating away at your character and beginning to destroy your life. You must stop them tonight! Confess your sin to God and apply what you have heard tonight without delay!

If you or your children have unfiltered access to the web, please install a filter. Fortify Your Family!

Song: Cleanse Me – 166
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Eroding Thoughts
21 February 2016 PM – Prov. 24:9 – Fortifying the Family – Scott Childs