Proverbs 6, God describes seven sins He hates, starting at the top of the human body and moving down: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that kill, a conniving heart, feet that rush into evil, a false witness, and a man who stirs up discord.
Then in Ephesians 6:12-18, God provides a set of practical tools we can use to battle those seven sins, which include the helmet of salvation, the sword of the Spirit, the shield of faith, the breastplate of righteousness, shoes shod with peace, and the belt of truth.
That word picture – the pieces of God’s armor – shows that being properly clothed involves more than merely covering your body. A well-dressed Christ-follower’s hands are full, not empty. They are occupied with the sword of the Spirit and the shield of faith.
Are Your Hands Idle – or Occupied?
The original word for hand in Proverbs 6:17 (“hands that kill”) indicates a hand that is open, rather than closed. Open hands are unoccupied and more apt to find trouble. “Hands that kill” are those that are destructive.
In contrast, hands that are occupied are useful, provided they are filled with the right tools.
What Is in Your Hands?
Ephesians 6:16-17 tells us to “take the shield of faith … and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.” When your hands are wrapped around God’s weapons, you are ready to both attack and defend. Yet your battle is not against people. God clearly tells us that His weapons are to be used against evil forces in the spiritual world (Ephesians 6:12).
The Sword of the Spirit. Without God’s Word in your hand, you can face two dangerous problems. You may attack the wrong opponent – another person, for instance, rather than the enemy. Without discernment, you can shed innocent blood.
Or you may use your own words, thoughts, and beliefs. Human words may not be truth and can bring harm to others. The sword of the Spirit is the Word of God. When your hands are occupied with God’s Word, He directs you in how to skillfully use His truth to discern your true enemy and to understand specific situations you face. God’s Word is a strong, reliable weapon.
The Shield of Faith. The shield of faith, a defensive tool, quenches fiery darts – those tricks, temptations annoyances, and lies that the enemy uses to wound or distract you and put you out of commission, even temporarily. The term used for shield indicates a very large piece of equipment, shaped like a door. Your shield of faith is big enough to cover any situation you face, provided it is in your hand and you use it.
Use What’s in Your Hands
When your hands take up a sword and a shield each day, you are not focused on issues that don’t matter, nor do you have time to harm others.
Instead, your hands are full. Your eyes are trained on the real enemy. And you are fighting him using no-fail spiritual gear.
More about Winning the Battle
Winning the Battle, Part 2: Do You Leave Your Mind Vulnerable?
Winning the Battle, Part 1: Get Your Gear Ready
Equipped to Win: 7 Strategies for Dealing with the Deadly Seven
