When I read my Bible there are some verses that really grab my attention, and Genesis 6:5 is one of these:  The LORD saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time.

Some translations use intention instead of inclination, and when you break intention down and scramble-it-up a little, it gives some insight into the meaning of the verse.  Look at intention this way:  Intent-I-On

Whatever you are Intent-On-Doing defines the inclination of your heart.  The historical setting for Genesis 6:6 was the days of Noah, and the people of this time period were Intent-On-Doing “evil all the time.”

Let me suggest that you give some consideration to the inclination of your heart by reviewing the Scripture below:

• Inclination of Dedication: I have inclined my heart to perform Your statutes forever, to the very end (Psalm 119:112)
• Inclination of Supplication: I have called upon You, for You will hear me, O God; Incline Your ear to me, and hear my speech (Psalm 17:6)
• Inclination of Application: Incline your ear to wisdom, And apply your heart to understanding (Proverbs 2:2)
• Inclination of Cultivation: Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise, And apply your heart to my knowledge (Proverbs 22:17)
• Inclination of Affirmation: Put away the foreign gods which are among you, and incline your heart to the Lord God of Israel (Joshua 24:23)
• Inclination of Renunciation:   Yet they did not obey or incline their ear, but followed the counsels and the dictates of their evil hearts, and went backward and not forward (Jeremiah 7:24)

Your intent will determine the path you take in life.   Solomon confirms this in Proverbs: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes. Fear the Lord and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, and strength to your bones (3:5-8).”

I started this post by saying: “When I read my Bible there are some verses that really grab my attention, and Genesis 6:5 is one of these.”  Three verses later, God makes a statement so captivating that it will tranquilize your fear and tantalize your faith:  “But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.”

The inclination of God was to transcend the mass and mess of sinful humanity, and extend His grace to Noah.  What God was Intent-On-Doing for Noah, He is Intent-On-Doing for you:  You can find grace in the eyes of the Lord.