Proverbs 6:18 - Printer Friendly

ESV: a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil,

NIV: a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil,

NASB: A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that run rapidly to evil,

CSB: a heart that plots wicked schemes, feet eager to run to evil,

NLT: a heart that plots evil, feet that race to do wrong,

KJV: An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,

NKJV: A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil,

Here, Solomon continues his short list of things which the Lord hates (Proverbs 6:16–17). The first three were arrogance, deceitfulness, and violence against the innocent.

Next is an attitude which deliberately plans to do evil. Jesus identified the heart as the source of good or evil. He told His disciples, "Out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander" (Matthew 15:19). Unless the Lord rules a person's heart, sin rules it, and the outcome is evil conduct.

God hates not only a heart that makes wicked plans but also the feet that carry out those plans. In Scripture, feet are often used as references to completing or enacting a plan (Zechariah 14:4; Romans 10:15). In this instance, the evil person is not just content to make wicked plans, he is eager and enthusiastic about carrying them out. John 13:27–30 says that when Judas was fully possessed by Satan, he immediately left the upper room. He "hurried," in a sense, to Jesus' enemies so they could complete their murder (John 18:3, 12).

Proverbs 6:12–19 focuses on those who create unnecessary strife. These people are described as "worthless," "crooked," and associated with a list of actions and attitudes which God hates. Just as those who are lazy are at risk of sudden financial ruin (Proverbs 6:6–11), those who are corrupt are subject to sudden judgment. This passage uses a pattern common to books like Proverbs, giving a number for a list and then adding one more (Job 5:19; Proverbs 30:21). This is mostly a poetic flair, but sometimes highlights the last item as especially important. In this case, the last point is about those who create division, which is the common theme of the previous six ideas. In contrast, Matthew 5:1–12 describes God's blessings on those who are righteous.

This chapter provides teaching on two aspects of wealth management. The first is avoiding putting one's property in debt for the sake of some other person's risky investment. The other warns against laziness, indicating that it puts a person at risk for sudden ruin. Solomon then poetically explains attitudes and actions which God finds especially repulsive. Next, Solomon returns to the subject of adultery. He reiterates the inherent risks of sexual immorality, including the catastrophic consequences which it brings. That lesson continues into the following chapter.

This chapter of Proverbs continues the wise sayings Solomon addresses to his son. In chapter 5 he addresses adultery and marriage. In this chapter he addresses financial matters, work ethics, characteristics and conduct the Lord despises, and sexual immorality. A common theme of these lessons is to avoid the natural consequences of foolish choices. The next chapter describes the adulteress's ways and the pitfalls involved in committing adultery with her.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.

Accessed 5/6/2024 1:29:40 AM