Proverbs 6:18

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

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,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 6:18, part of a crucial list of seven things the Lord detests, powerfully exposes the dual nature of human depravity: the insidious internal plotting of evil and the eager, unhesitating execution of destructive acts. It profoundly illustrates that true wickedness is not merely an outward behavior but originates from the very core of one's being, where malevolent schemes are conceived and meticulously cultivated, subsequently manifesting in a zealous pursuit of harm, injustice, and moral corruption. This verse underscores the profound offense such comprehensive depravity poses to God's holy and righteous character.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 6:18 is embedded within a highly significant and concise enumeration found in [Proverbs 6:16-19](/proverbs/6-16-19 "Proverbs 6:16-19 - The Seven Abominations to the Lord"), which details "six things the LORD hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him." This specific list functions as a climactic summation of the various forms of folly and wickedness that the book of Proverbs consistently warns against, serving as a theological anchor for the practical wisdom offered throughout the chapter. Prior to this list, the chapter addresses diverse practical dangers, such as the perils of giving surety for a neighbor ([Proverbs 6:1-5](/proverbs/6-1-5 "Proverbs 6:1-5 - Warning Against Surety")), the destructive consequences of laziness ([Proverbs 6:6-11](/proverbs/6-6-11 "Proverbs 6:6-11 - The Sluggard and the Ant")), and the pervasive deceit of a worthless person ([Proverbs 6:12-15](/proverbs/6-12-15 "Proverbs 6:12-15 - The Worthless Person")). The list of abominations, therefore, elevates these practical warnings to a spiritual plane, revealing the fundamental moral principles that God upholds and the behaviors He utterly rejects, emphasizing that these issues are not merely societal but deeply offensive to the divine nature.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Proverbs is deeply rooted in the ancient Near Eastern wisdom tradition, yet it is uniquely shaped by Israel's covenant theology and monotheistic worldview. In this cultural milieu, the "heart" (Hebrew: `lêb`) was understood not merely as the seat of emotions, but as the very core of a person's being—the center of intellect, will, reason, and moral decision-making. Actions were consistently viewed as direct outflows of the heart's disposition, reflecting its true nature. The concept of "mischief" (Hebrew: `raʻ` or `ʼâven`) often encompassed not just personal harm but actions that actively disrupted the social fabric, violated covenant obligations, and undermined justice within the community. The imagery of "feet that be swift in running to mischief" would have evoked powerful associations with brigands, conspirators, or those eagerly engaged in violence, deceit, or oppression, standing in stark contrast to the ideal of a righteous person whose steps are ordered and guided by God ([Psalm 37:23](/psalm/37-23 "Psalm 37:23 - The Steps of a Good Man")).
* **Key Themes:** This verse profoundly contributes to several overarching themes central to Proverbs and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it articulates the **origin of sin** in the human heart, affirming that wicked actions are frequently not accidental but are meticulously conceived and cultivated internally before their outward execution. This aligns with a consistent biblical emphasis that true righteousness or wickedness begins in one's inner being, as seen in [Proverbs 4:23](/proverbs/4-23 "Proverbs 4:23 - Guard Your Heart"). Secondly, it highlights the theme of **divine judgment and displeasure**, as these specific behaviors are an "abomination" to the Lord. This reveals His absolute holiness, His unwavering commitment to justice, and His intolerance for evil in all its forms. Thirdly, it powerfully underscores the **contrast between wisdom and folly**: the wise person diligently guards their heart and directs their steps toward righteousness, while the fool gives unrestrained license to wicked intentions and eagerly pursues destructive paths, ultimately leading to ruin and divine condemnation ([Proverbs 1:32](/proverbs/1-32 "Proverbs 1:32 - The Ruin of Fools")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **heart (Hebrew, _lêb'_):** (H3820) This term, often translated as "heart," transcends a mere emotional center. In biblical anthropology, `lêb` denotes the innermost being of a person—the seat of intellect, will, reason, and moral choice. It is the fundamental core from which thoughts, intentions, and decisions originate. Therefore, "an heart that deviseth" points to the very essence of one's personality and moral agency, where evil is not passively experienced but actively formulated and embraced.
* **deviseth (Hebrew, _chârash'_):** (H2790) This primitive root signifies "to scratch," "to engrave," or "to plough," implying a deliberate, often painstaking, process. Figuratively, it means "to fabricate" or "to devise," particularly "in a bad sense." This word suggests a thoughtful, often secretive, plotting or scheming. It describes a cultivated, intentional process of designing evil, much like an artisan carefully crafts an object, emphasizing the premeditated nature of the wickedness.
* **mischief (Hebrew, _raʻ'_):** (H7451) Derived from a root meaning "to be bad," `raʻ` is a comprehensive term encompassing evil in its natural and moral dimensions. It refers to adversity, affliction, calamity, harm, wickedness, and iniquity. When paired with "running to," it emphasizes the destructive, injurious, and morally corrupt nature of the actions eagerly pursued. It signifies not just trouble, but a deliberate engagement in that which is inherently harmful, morally wrong, and offensive to God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations":** This initial clause pinpoints the internal genesis of sin. The "heart," understood as the very core of one's being, intellect, and will, is actively engaged in "devising" (deliberately planning, plotting, and scheming) "wicked imaginations" (evil thoughts, malevolent designs, and corrupt intentions). This highlights that sin is frequently premeditated, originating from a corrupt inner disposition rather than being a mere accidental misstep. It profoundly reveals the depth of depravity that can reside within, where evil is not just entertained but meticulously crafted and nurtured.
* **"feet that be swift in running to mischief":** This second clause describes the outward manifestation and eager execution of the evil conceived in the heart. The "feet," symbolizing one's actions, life's course, and practical conduct, are "swift" (quick, hasty, eager, unhesitating) in "running to mischief" (pursuing harmful, destructive, or morally corrupt acts). This vivid imagery conveys a complete lack of hesitation, an enthusiastic readiness, and even a zealous commitment to engage in wrongdoing, demonstrating a heart fully committed to its evil designs and quick to bring them to fruition in the world.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 6:18 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its message with striking clarity and impact. **Merism** is prominently featured in the pairing of "heart" and "feet," which together represent the totality of a person—their inner thoughts and their outer actions. This emphasizes that wickedness permeates the entire being, from its conceptualization to its active execution. **Imagery** is vividly employed, particularly with the phrase "feet that be swift in running to mischief," painting a compelling picture of eager, unhesitating movement towards destructive ends. This visual reinforces the moral urgency and gravity of the warning. The verse also utilizes a form of **personification**, attributing the act of "devising" to the "heart" and "running" to the "feet," thereby highlighting the active, volitional, and intentional nature of sin. Furthermore, the **hyperbole** implied by "swift" underscores the intensity and zeal with which the wicked pursue their harmful intentions, leaving no ambiguity about the deliberate nature of their wrongdoing.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This proverb deeply connects to the foundational biblical doctrine of sin, particularly the concept of human depravity, which asserts that sin originates in the fallen human heart and inevitably manifests in corrupt actions. It underscores God's absolute holiness and His profound abhorrence of evil, whether it is conceived internally in thought or acted out externally in deed. The Lord’s detestation of such a heart and swift feet reveals His unwavering commitment to righteousness and justice, and His active opposition to all that corrupts, destroys, or violates His divine order. This verse serves as a crucial reminder that God judges not only outward deeds but also the hidden intentions and desires of the heart, calling humanity to a profound inner transformation that extends to every aspect of their being.

* [Matthew 15:19](/matthew/15-19 "Matthew 15:19 - Evil Thoughts from the Heart")
* [Proverbs 4:23](/proverbs/4-23 "Proverbs 4:23 - Guard Your Heart Above All Else")
* [Romans 3:15](/romans/3-15 "Romans 3:15 - Their Feet Are Swift to Shed Blood")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 6:18 serves as a profound and urgent call to deep introspection and unwavering moral vigilance. It challenges us to look beyond mere outward behavior and to diligently examine the hidden recesses of our hearts, recognizing that the insidious seeds of sin are often sown, nurtured, and meticulously planned there before they blossom into destructive actions. This verse compels us to cultivate a rigorous spiritual discipline of guarding our thoughts, intentions, and desires, understanding that true righteousness and spiritual health begin with a transformed inner life. We are called to actively resist the temptation to entertain wicked imaginations and, even more critically, to be swift in running *away* from mischief, rather than towards it. Instead, our renewed hearts should be inclined to devise plans for good, and our feet should be swift in pursuing acts of love, justice, and compassion, thereby reflecting the holy and righteous character of God in a world desperately in need of His light and truth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "wicked imaginations" or malevolent schemes might I be harboring in my heart, even if they have not yet manifested in outward actions?**
* **In what specific areas of my life might I be "swift in running to mischief," perhaps through gossip, anger, selfish ambition, or dishonest practices?**
* **How can I actively and intentionally "guard my heart" (as exhorted in [Proverbs 4:23](/proverbs/4-23 "Proverbs 4:23 - Guard Your Heart Above All Else")) against the inception and cultivation of evil thoughts and intentions?**
* **What practical and spiritual steps can I take to redirect my inner desires and outward actions towards righteousness, selfless service, and the pursuit of God's will?**

### FAQ
**Why does Proverbs 6:18 emphasize both the "heart" and "feet" in describing wickedness?**

Answer: Proverbs 6:18 emphasizes both the "heart" and "feet" to powerfully illustrate the comprehensive and pervasive nature of wickedness, encompassing both its internal origin and its external manifestation. The "heart" (Hebrew: `lêb`, H3820) represents the core of a person's being—their intellect, will, reason, and moral decision-making center. It is the place where evil thoughts and intentions are conceived, meticulously "devised" (Hebrew: `chârash`, H2790), and nurtured ([Proverbs 4:23](/proverbs/4-23 "Proverbs 4:23 - Guard Your Heart")). The "feet" (Hebrew: `regel`, H7272) symbolize a person's actions, their walk, and their life's practical course. By stating that these feet are "swift" (Hebrew: `mâhar`, H4116) in "running" (Hebrew: `rûwts`, H7323) to "mischief" (Hebrew: `raʻ`, H7451), the proverb highlights the eager, unhesitating, and zealous execution of the evil plans formulated in the heart. Together, "heart" and "feet" form a **merism**, a literary device representing the whole person and underscoring that true wickedness permeates one's entire being, from the deepest thought to the most overt deed. This holistic view of sin is consistent throughout biblical teaching, as seen in Jesus' teaching in [Matthew 15:19](/matthew/15-19 "Matthew 15:19 - Evil Thoughts from the Heart"), where He states that evil deeds originate from the heart.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 6:18, with its stark indictment of the heart that devises wicked imaginations and feet swift to mischief, finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound solution in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament consistently reveals the pervasive sinfulness and deceitfulness of the human heart ([Jeremiah 17:9](/jeremiah/17-9 "Jeremiah 17:9 - The Deceitful Heart")), a reality perfectly encapsulated by this proverb's description of innate human depravity. Jesus, however, stands in absolute and glorious contrast as the only one whose heart never conceived wicked imaginations and whose feet were never swift to mischief. His every thought, intention, and action was in perfect, unblemished obedience to the Father's will, even to the point of sacrificial death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Jesus' Obedience to Death")). More profoundly, Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross addresses the very root of the problem identified in this proverb: the sinful human heart. Through saving faith in Him, believers are not merely forgiven but receive a new heart and a new spirit ([Ezekiel 36:26](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26 - A New Heart and Spirit")), empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit to transform their inner desires and redirect their steps. What humanity could not achieve—a heart free from wicked imaginations and feet slow to evil—Jesus accomplished and now graciously offers as a gift, enabling His followers to walk in newness of life, with hearts increasingly inclined toward righteousness and feet swift to do the good works prepared by God for them ([Ephesians 2:10](/ephesians/2-10 "Ephesians 2:10 - Created for Good Works")).

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

Genesis 6:5

And GOD saw that the wickedness of man [was] great in the earth, and [that] every imagination of the thoughts of his heart [was] only evil continually.

Proverbs 1:16

For their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood.

Jeremiah 4:14

O Jerusalem, wash thine heart from wickedness, that thou mayest be saved. How long shall thy vain thoughts lodge within thee?

Romans 3:15

Their feet [are] swift to shed blood:

Isaiah 59:7

Their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed innocent blood: their thoughts [are] thoughts of iniquity; wasting and destruction [are] in their paths.

Proverbs 24:8

He that deviseth to do evil shall be called a mischievous person.

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.