When most people think of Sodom, their mind goes right to sexual immorality. Yet in Ezekiel 16:49–50, God gives us another list of sins that led to Sodom’s destruction. What is surprising is that these sins are ones we often excuse in our own lives. Let’s look at them one by one.
Ezekiel 16:48-50 As I live, saith the Lord GOD, Sodom thy sister hath not done, she nor her daughters, as thou hast done, thou and thy daughters. [49] Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy. [50] And they were haughty, and committed abomination before me: therefore I took them away as I saw good.
1. Pride vs. Humility (Attitude)
“Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:18)
Sodom was filled with pride. They lifted themselves up and thought they had no need of God. Pride ruins families, churches, and nations. The opposite is humility. God blesses the humble heart that admits its need for Him. Pride affects our attitude, how we think about ourselves and others.
2. Fullness of Bread vs. Contentment and Generosity (Money and Possessions)
“And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.” (1 Timothy 6:8)
Sodom had more than enough. They stuffed themselves and hoarded their wealth. God says their “fullness of bread” was sin. The opposite is being content with what God has given and being generous toward others. This touches our money and possessions, do we use what we have to bless others or do we just keep it for ourselves?
3. Abundance of Idleness vs. Diligence (Time)
“Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:16)
Sodom wasted their days. They had “abundance of idleness.” God did not create us to sit around doing nothing. He calls us to diligence. This deals with our time. Time is one of the most valuable things God gives us, and wasting it is no small sin.
4. Neglecting the Poor vs. Compassion and Service (Compassion)
“He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.” (Proverbs 19:17)
Sodom refused to strengthen the hand of the poor and needy. They looked away from those who suffered. God calls that sin. The opposite is compassion and service. This deals with our compassion. We prove our love for God by how we treat those who cannot repay us.
5. Haughtiness and Abominations vs. Holiness (Character)
“He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” (Micah 6:8)
Sodom grew haughty and committed open abominations before the Lord. They flaunted their sin and made no attempt to hide it. The opposite is holiness, walking humbly with God. This touches our character. The way we live ought to point people to Christ, not away from Him.
Sodom’s destruction did not only come from the sin most people remember. It was also the sins of pride, greed, laziness, selfishness, and open arrogance. Those same sins can creep into our lives if we are not careful. God is looking for people who will be humble in attitude, generous with their money, diligent with their time, compassionate toward others, and holy in their character.
