Proverbs 6:18

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

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

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

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

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

Commentary

Proverbs 6:18 is part of a powerful passage (Proverbs 6:16-19) that lists seven specific things that are an abomination to the Lord. This particular verse focuses on two aspects of human depravity that God detests: the internal plotting of evil and the eager execution of it.

Context

The book of Proverbs is a collection of wise sayings, offering practical guidance for living a righteous and God-honoring life. This section, particularly Proverbs 6:16-19, serves as a direct warning, highlighting behaviors and attitudes that are fundamentally opposed to God's character and His desire for humanity. It functions as a moral compass, advising against paths that lead to destruction and spiritual separation. The KJV text emphasizes the internal and external manifestations of wickedness that are detestable to the Divine.

Key Themes

  • The Origin of Sin: The verse first points to the heart as the source of wickedness. "An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations" reveals that sinful actions don't just happen; they are often conceived and planned internally. This aligns with biblical teaching that true righteousness begins within the heart and mind.
  • Eagerness for Evil: Following the internal plotting, "feet that be swift in running to mischief" speaks to the readiness and enthusiasm with which some pursue harmful or destructive acts. It's not just accidental wrongdoing, but an active, unhesitating pursuit of what is evil.
  • Divine Displeasure: Underlying these descriptions is the profound truth that such internal and external expressions of wickedness are deeply offensive to God, demonstrating a heart far from His ways and His will for humanity.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "deviseth wicked imaginations" uses the Hebrew word machashabah (ืžึทื—ึฒืฉึธืื‘ึธื”) for "imaginations," which refers to thoughts, schemes, or designs. The verb "deviseth" (ื—ึธืจึทืฉื, charash) implies a deliberate, often secretive, planning or plotting. It's not a fleeting thought but a cultivated intention to do wrong. Similarly, "mischief" comes from aven (ืึธื•ึถืŸ), denoting trouble, wickedness, or iniquity, emphasizing the harmful nature of the actions being pursued with such "swift" eagerness.

Related Scriptures

  • The emphasis on the heart as the source of evil thoughts is a consistent biblical theme, echoed by Jesus Himself in Matthew 15:19, where He states that "out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies."
  • The idea of being "swift in running to mischief" finds a parallel in Proverbs 1:16, which warns against those whose "feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood." This highlights the dangerous speed with which unchecked evil intentions can lead to destructive actions.

Practical Application

Proverbs 6:18 challenges us to examine both our inner world and our outward actions. It calls us to:

  1. Guard Our Hearts: Recognize that sin often begins in the mind. We are encouraged to cultivate pure thoughts and intentions, seeking God's help to transform our inner desires. As Proverbs 4:23 advises, "Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life."
  2. Resist the Urge to Evil: Be slow to anger, slow to gossip, slow to engage in anything that brings harm. The verse warns against the eagerness to participate in or initiate wrongdoing.
  3. Seek Righteousness: Instead of devising wicked plans, we should purpose our hearts and direct our steps towards acts of kindness, justice, and love, reflecting the character of God.
This verse serves as a timeless reminder that God cares not only about our deeds but also about the intentions and attitudes of our hearts, urging us to pursue integrity in thought and action.

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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

    ยถ 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.
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