Proverbs 6:18

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

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

Complete Jewish Bible:

a heart that plots wicked schemes, feet swift in running to do evil,

Berean Standard Bible:

a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that run swiftly to evil,

American Standard Version:

A heart that deviseth wicked purposes, Feet that are swift in running to mischief,

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

An heart^{H3820} that deviseth^{H2790} wicked^{H205} imaginations^{H4284}, feet^{H7272} that be swift^{H4116} in running^{H7323} to mischief^{H7451},

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Proverbs 6:18

Proverbs 6:18 is part of a larger section in the book of Proverbs (verses 16-19) that lists seven things the Lord hates. The verse itself reads: "An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief," (KJV). This proverb reflects the wisdom literature tradition in the ancient Near East, which often included lists of vices or virtues to instruct and guide the people in righteous living.

In the historical context, Proverbs is a collection of wise sayings that would have been used for education and moral instruction in ancient Israel. These teachings were likely compiled over centuries, with some dating back to the time of Solomon, who is traditionally credited with writing many of the proverbs. They were designed to be memorable and practical, offering guidance on how to live a life that is pleasing to God.

The themes of Proverbs 6:18 are the dangers of a deceitful heart and the swiftness with which one might pursue evil actions. The verse emphasizes the Lord's displeasure with those who not only conceive of wicked plans but also eagerly act upon them. It serves as a warning against the seduction of wickedness and the speed at which one can descend into sinful behavior. The verse calls for self-reflection and moral vigilance, urging individuals to cultivate a heart that devises good, not wicked, intentions and to restrain their feet from rushing toward harmful deeds. This teaching aligns with the broader ethical framework of the Hebrew Bible, which promotes justice, righteousness, and personal integrity.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H3820
   There are 550 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: לֵב
   Transliteration: lêb
   Pronunciation: labe
   Description: a form of לֵבָב; the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything; [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom.
   
2. Strong's Number: H2790
   There are 66 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: חָרַשׁ
   Transliteration: chârash
   Pronunciation: khaw-rash'
   Description: a primitive root; to scratch, i.e. (by implication) to engrave, plough; hence (from the use of tools) to fabricate (of any material); figuratively, to devise (in a bad sense); hence (from the idea of secrecy) to be silent, to let alone; hence (by implication) to be deaf (as an accompaniment of dumbness); [idiom] altogether, cease, conceal, be deaf, devise, ear, graven, imagine, leave off speaking, hold peace, plow(-er, man), be quiet, rest, practise secretly, keep silence, be silent, speak not a word, be still, hold tongue, worker.
   
3. Strong's Number: H205
   There are 101 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אָוֶן
   Transliteration: ʼâven
   Pronunciation: aw-ven'
   Description: from an unused root perhaps meaning properly, to pant (hence, to exert oneself, usually in vain; to come to naught); strictly nothingness; also trouble. vanity, wickedness; specifically an idol; affliction, evil, false, idol, iniquity, mischief, mourners(-ing), naught, sorrow, unjust, unrighteous, vain, vanity, wicked(-ness). Compare אַיִן.
   
4. Strong's Number: H4284
   There are 52 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: מַחֲשָׁבָה
   Transliteration: machăshâbâh
   Pronunciation: makh-ash-aw-baw'
   Description: or מַחֲשֶׁבֶת; from חָשַׁב; a contrivance, i.e. (concretely) a texture, machine, or (abstractly) intention, plan (whether bad, a plot; or good, advice); cunning (work), curious work, device(-sed), imagination, invented, means, purpose, thought.
   
5. Strong's Number: H7272
   There are 232 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: רֶגֶל
   Transliteration: regel
   Pronunciation: reh'-gel
   Description: from רָגַל; a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda; [idiom] be able to endure, [idiom] according as, [idiom] after, [idiom] coming, [idiom] follow, (broken-)foot(-ed, -stool), [idiom] great toe, [idiom] haunt, [idiom] journey, leg, [phrase] piss, [phrase] possession, time.
   
6. Strong's Number: H4116
   There are 60 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: מָהַר
   Transliteration: mâhar
   Pronunciation: maw-har'
   Description: a primitive root; properly, to be liquid or flow easily, i.e. (by implication); to hurry (in a good or a bad sense); often used (with another verb) adverbially, promptly; be carried headlong, fearful, (cause to make, in, make) haste(-n, -ily), (be) hasty, (fetch, make ready) [idiom] quickly, rash, [idiom] shortly, (be so) [idiom] soon, make speed, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] straightway, [idiom] suddenly, swift.
   
7. Strong's Number: H7323
   There are 92 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: רוּץ
   Transliteration: rûwts
   Pronunciation: roots
   Description: a primitive root; to run (for whatever reason, especially to rush); break down, divide speedily, footman, guard, bring hastily, (make) run (away, through), post.
   
8. Strong's Number: H7451
   There are 623 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: רַע
   Transliteration: raʻ
   Pronunciation: rah
   Description: from רָעַע; bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral); adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.).