Stink Eye- -a facial expression of distrust, disdain, or disapproval
Giving someone a dirty look!
Proverbs 6: 16-19 These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:
17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, 19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
God hates a proud look, or what I call, the ‘stink eye’. Also known as a dirty look. Sometimes we can look at someone wrong and not even mean it. The only time I ever spanked Deannie Jr was when he gave the ‘stink eye’ to a humble rural pastor. Granted Deannie was only 4, wasn’t feeling well and had a long day. Without exception, however, there is never an excuse for the ‘stink eye’.
While the eyes are a window to the soul, it does surprise me that a proud look is the first thing on God’s hit-list. Even before lying and murder! A proud look reveals a proud heart, which God resists. More importantly, it makes someone unapproachable.
I think the main reason that God hates the proud look most is because it is more likely to become a habit of His followers. Usually the other 6 aren’t done by believers on a regular basis, but the first one, the haughty, proud look can be committed by any of us if we aren’t careful.
Most of the looks on our faces, and how we are perceived by others, are unintentional. Our hearts affect the look on our faces, and visa versa. The looks that our faces give off affect our hearts and our tones. That’s why telephone salesmen have a mirror in front of them. Smiling and dialing is the expression. A smile affects their tone and mood for the better.
Proverbs 15:13 – A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance.
Literally, I have seen the most physically hideous people made absolutely gorgeous by the joy in their heart. Conversely I have seen the most beautiful people made hideous simply by the sadness or pride in their hearts.
It is said that if you have joy in your heart, you might as well let your face show it. Sometimes in the course of the day it’s easy to forget about our expressions, and what we show the world around us. What we shouldn’t forget, however, is there is only one chance to make a good first impression. A dour look does not make a good first impression.
A bad, judgmental, or worried attitude shows up as a frown or a superior look. It keeps people away from you. It kills the relationship before it is even birthed. If they don’t like you from the beginning, how are you going be able to share God’s love with them. It is easier to swim downstream than upstream.
I think the key to removing the ‘stink eye’ as an option permanently, is to control your thoughts. Thinking too hard; planning, calculating, and judging gives me the ‘stink eye’ look on my face without even trying. So I try to avoid thinking negative thoughts. I know it’s hard. Extremely so when finances are concerned. Just remember that it is very important if you are a messenger of the Lord God most High.
God loves us extravagantly. He loves a ‘hilarious’ giver. He delights when His children throw their cares to the wind and puts aside their own feelings to serve others. He loves and gives because that is who He is. He doesn’t want us questioning Him and His character, He wants us to imitate Him.
God hates pride because it removes Him from our thought process. He hates pride in us also because it sends a message to anyone who can see our faces when we are thinking prideful thoughts.
No more pride, self righteousness, nor trust issues with God, means no more ‘stink eye’ issues. Problem solved!