Proverbs 6:14

KJV

Frowardness [is] in his heart, he deviseth mischief continually; he soweth discord.

KJV (with Strong's)

Frowardness {H8419} is in his heart {H3820}, he deviseth {H2790} mischief {H7451} continually {H6256}; he soweth {H7971} discord {H4066}{H4090}.

Complete Jewish Bible

With deceit in his heart, he is always plotting evil and sowing discord.

Berean Standard Bible

With deceit in his heart he devises evil; he continually sows discord.

American Standard Version

In whose heart is perverseness, Who deviseth evil continually, Who soweth discord.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 6:14 profoundly describes the character of a wicked individual, revealing that their internal disposition of perversity (frowardness) is the wellspring of their outward actions. Such a person continually plots malicious harm and actively instigates division and strife within relationships and communities, demonstrating a consistent and deliberate commitment to evil.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of a larger section in Proverbs (6:12-19) that serves as a stern warning against the "worthless person" (KJV: "naughty person," from the Hebrew *belial*). The preceding verse, [Proverbs 6:13](/proverbs/6-13 "Proverbs 6:13 - Deceptive Gestures"), describes the deceptive physical cues of such an individual—winking, shuffling feet, pointing fingers—which are outward manifestations of an inner corruption. Verse 14 then delves deeper, exposing the very heart of this person as the source of their destructive behavior. It progresses from external signs to internal intent and finally to the resulting destructive actions, setting the stage for the enumeration of things the Lord detests in [Proverbs 6:16-19](/proverbs/6-16 "Proverbs 6:16-19 - Seven Things the Lord Hates"), where "one who sows discord among brothers" is explicitly condemned.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite society, community cohesion and familial harmony were paramount. Wisdom literature, like Proverbs, frequently emphasizes the importance of righteous living for the well-being of the individual and the collective. Actions that disrupted social order, such as sowing discord, were considered particularly heinous because they threatened the very fabric of communal life, leading to fragmentation and instability. The imagery of "plowing evil" and "sowing discord" would have resonated deeply with an agrarian society, illustrating the deliberate and persistent nature of the wicked person's destructive efforts, much like a farmer diligently prepares a field for a harvest, albeit a harvest of contention.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several core themes found throughout the book of Proverbs and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the principle that **internal corruption leads to external harm**, emphasizing that evil deeds are not merely impulsive acts but originate from a deeply twisted and perverse inner disposition. This aligns with the teaching that the [heart is the wellspring of life's issues](/proverbs/4-23 "Proverbs 4:23 - Guard Your Heart") and the source of human actions, as Jesus later taught in [Matthew 15:19](/matthew/15-19 "Matthew 15:19 - Out of the Heart"). Secondly, the phrase "he deviseth mischief continually" highlights **deliberate malice**, indicating that the wicked person's wrongdoing is not accidental but a persistent, intentional plotting of harm. This individual actively schemes to bring about negative outcomes for others. Finally, "he soweth discord" points to the **destructive power of social division**, portraying someone who actively creates strife, contention, and disunity within relationships, families, or communities, a behavior explicitly listed among the things the Lord [detests in Proverbs 6:19](/proverbs/6-19 "Proverbs 6:19 - God Hates a Sower of Discord").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Frowardness (Hebrew, _tahpukâh'_):** (H8419) This term signifies a perversity, treachery, or fraud. It describes a disposition that is twisted, inverted, or turned away from what is right, true, and just. It implies a deliberate choice to deviate from moral rectitude, indicating a mind and will that are set on doing wrong.
* **Deviseth (Hebrew, _chârash'_):** (H2790) A primitive root meaning "to scratch," "engrave," or "plough." Figuratively, it means "to fabricate" or "to devise," especially in a bad sense. The imagery suggests a deep, painstaking, and continuous effort to plan and execute wickedness, much like a farmer meticulously prepares a field or an artisan engraves a design. It denotes intentional, often secretive, plotting.
* **Discord (Hebrew, _mâdôwn'_):** (H4066) Derived from a root meaning "to contend" or "to strive," this word denotes a contest, quarrel, brawling, contention, or strife. It encompasses any action or attitude that fosters disunity and conflict. The KJV also notes H4090 (*mᵉdân*) as a related form, reinforcing the meaning of contention and strife.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Frowardness [is] in his heart":** This clause establishes the internal nature of the wicked person. "Frowardness" (perversity, crookedness) is not an external act but an inherent disposition, deeply rooted in the "heart." In biblical anthropology, the heart (*lêb*) is the seat of intellect, will, emotion, and moral character. Thus, this person's core being, their very essence, is twisted away from righteousness.
* **"he deviseth mischief continually":** This transitions from the internal state to the internal action. Because frowardness resides in their heart, their mind is constantly engaged in plotting evil (*raʻ*, bad/evil). The verb "deviseth" (*chârash*) implies deliberate, painstaking, and often secretive planning, while "continually" (*ʻêth*) emphasizes the persistent and unceasing nature of their malicious scheming. Their thoughts are perpetually occupied with designing harm.
* **"he soweth discord":** This clause describes the outward manifestation and destructive consequence of their inner corruption and malicious plotting. The imagery of "sowing" (*shâlach*, to send forth) vividly portrays the active, deliberate dissemination of seeds of contention (*mâdôwn*, strife, quarrel). This person does not merely participate in arguments but actively initiates and spreads quarrels, disunity, and strife, disrupting peace and harmony within their sphere of influence.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 6:14 employs powerful **Imagery** and **Metaphor** to convey its message. The phrase "he deviseth mischief" uses the metaphor of "plowing evil" or "engraving evil" (from the root *chârash*), suggesting a deep, deliberate, and painstaking process of planning wickedness, much like a farmer prepares a field or an artisan carves a design. This contrasts sharply with impulsive actions, highlighting the premeditated nature of the wicked person's harm. Furthermore, "he soweth discord" is a potent **Metaphor** that likens the act of instigating strife to planting seeds. Just as seeds grow into plants, the words and actions of this individual germinate into arguments, divisions, and conflicts, yielding a harvest of disunity. This verse also exhibits a form of **Climactic Progression**, moving from the internal state (frowardness in the heart) to the internal action (devising mischief) and finally to the external, destructive impact (sowing discord), illustrating a complete cycle of corruption.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly speaks to the biblical understanding of human depravity, asserting that sin originates not merely from external temptation or accidental missteps, but from a deeply corrupted inner core—the heart. The "frowardness" described here is a state of being twisted away from God's righteous standards, leading inevitably to actions that oppose His will for peace and order. It highlights God's abhorrence of division and His desire for unity and harmony among His people, a theme echoed throughout Scripture. The deliberate and continuous nature of devising mischief and sowing discord stands in stark contrast to the divine call to love, reconciliation, and peacemaking.

* [Jeremiah 17:9](/jeremiah/17-9 "Jeremiah 17:9 - The Deceitful Heart")
* [Matthew 15:18-19](/matthew/15-18-19 "What Comes from the Heart")
* [Romans 16:17-18](/romans/16-17-18 "Romans 16:17-18 - Avoid Those Who Cause Division")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 6:14 offers timeless wisdom for discerning character and cultivating a righteous life. It compels us to look beyond mere outward actions and examine the true condition of the heart, recognizing that genuine spiritual transformation begins within. This verse serves as a powerful call to self-examination: Do we harbor any "frowardness"—any twisted inclinations or hidden resentments—that might lead us to plot harm or subtly sow discord, even unintentionally? The continuous nature of "devising mischief" reminds us that malice can be a persistent, ingrained habit of thought. Conversely, the command to "sow discord" challenges us to actively pursue peace and unity, to be agents of reconciliation rather than division. Understanding the destructive power of a perverse heart should motivate believers to diligently guard their hearts, seeking God's grace to purify their inner motives and to be instruments of His peace in a fractured world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of "frowardness in the heart" challenge my understanding of sin as merely outward actions?**
* **In what ways might I, perhaps unknowingly, "devise mischief" or "sow discord" through my words, attitudes, or actions?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a heart that seeks peace and unity, rather than division?**

### FAQ
**What does "frowardness" mean in this context?**

Answer: "Frowardness" (Hebrew *tahpukâh*) refers to a deep-seated perversity or crookedness of character. It describes a disposition that is twisted away from what is right, true, and just. It's not just a mistake or an impulsive act but a deliberate inclination towards evil, deceit, and treachery. It signifies a heart that has turned away from God's ways and embraces deviance, often with a sense of rebellion against what is upright.

**How does this verse relate to the "worthless person" mentioned earlier in Proverbs 6?**

Answer: Proverbs 6:14 is a direct continuation and elaboration of the description of the "worthless person" (Hebrew *belial*) introduced in [Proverbs 6:12](/proverbs/6-12 "Proverbs 6:12 - The Worthless Person"). While [Proverbs 6:13](/proverbs/6-13 "Proverbs 6:13 - Deceptive Gestures") describes their deceptive outward physical cues—such as winking with their eyes or shuffling their feet—verse 14 delves into their internal state ("frowardness in his heart") and their consistent, malicious actions ("deviseth mischief continually; he soweth discord"). It reveals that their outward deceit and destructive behavior stem from a deeply corrupted inner nature, making them a danger to communal harmony.

**Why is "sowing discord" so strongly condemned in Proverbs?**

Answer: "Sowing discord" is strongly condemned because it directly undermines the fabric of community, family, and relationships, which are highly valued in biblical wisdom. It creates strife, division, and contention, destroying trust and peace. In fact, [Proverbs 6:19](/proverbs/6-19 "Proverbs 6:19 - God Hates a Sower of Discord") explicitly lists "one who sows discord among brothers" as one of the seven things the Lord hates, underscoring its severe moral offense against God's design for harmonious human interaction. This act is seen as an assault on the very unity and love that God desires for His people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 6:14 vividly exposes the depth of human sinfulness, revealing a heart twisted by "frowardness," constantly devising evil, and actively sowing division. This profound diagnosis of humanity's fallen condition finds its ultimate answer and fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the perfect embodiment of a heart completely devoid of frowardness, perpetually devising good, and tirelessly sowing peace. Where humanity's hearts are prone to malice and discord, Christ's heart was pure, motivated by perfect love and a desire for reconciliation. His mission was to address the very "frowardness" of our hearts, offering a radical transformation from within. Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Jesus broke down the dividing wall of hostility (as described in [Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")), not only between God and humanity but also among people. He did not sow discord but became our peace, reconciling all things to Himself. Furthermore, the Holy Spirit, given to believers, empowers us to receive a new heart and a new spirit, replacing the old, froward nature with a desire for righteousness and unity, as promised in [Ezekiel 36:26](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26 - A New Heart and Spirit"). Believers, indwelt by the Spirit, are called to be peacemakers and unity-builders, reflecting the very character of Christ, whose fruit includes love, joy, peace, and patience, directly counteracting the destructive tendencies of a froward heart (see [Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit")). Thus, the fulfillment of this proverb is found in Christ, who purifies the heart and enables His followers to live as agents of harmony in a world prone to strife.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Micah 2:1

¶ Woe to them that devise iniquity, and work evil upon their beds! when the morning is light, they practise it, because it is in the power of their hand.

Romans 16:17

¶ Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

Hosea 8:7

For they have sown the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind: it hath no stalk: the bud shall yield no meal: if so be it yield, the strangers shall swallow it up.

Proverbs 6:18

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

Proverbs 6:19

A false witness [that] speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.

Proverbs 26:17

¶ He that passeth by, [and] meddleth with strife [belonging] not to him, [is like] one that taketh a dog by the ears.

Proverbs 26:22

The words of a talebearer [are] as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.