### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word מוֹעֵצָה (môwʻêtsâh, `{{H4156}}`) is derived from the verbal root יָעַץ (yaʻats, `{{H3289}}`), which signifies "to advise," "to counsel," "to consult," or "to plan." Consequently, מוֹעֵצָה carries the core meaning of a "purpose," "counsel," or "device." It denotes the outcome or product of deliberation and planning. While "counsel" can refer to advice given, "purpose" or "device" refers to the established plan or intention. In its biblical usage, particularly when referring to human intentions apart from divine wisdom, "device" often takes on a negative connotation, implying a self-serving, cunning, or even malicious scheme. This semantic range highlights the critical distinction between divinely-inspired wisdom and human-conceived plans.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word מוֹעֵצָה (`{{H4156}}`) is remarkably rare in the Hebrew Bible, appearing only once, in the book of Proverbs. Its singular occurrence, however, is highly impactful and illustrative of its meaning:
* **Proverbs 1:31**: "Therefore they shall eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices."
In this verse, מוֹעֵצָה is translated as "devices." The context is a powerful admonition from Lady Wisdom to those who scorn her instruction and reject her reproof. The "devices" refer to the self-chosen plans, schemes, or intentions of the foolish and rebellious. The verse underscores the principle of consequentialism: those who refuse to heed wisdom will inevitably experience the bitter fruit of their own self-devised paths. Their destruction is not arbitrary but a direct result of their own "devices," highlighting the inherent futility and peril of human counsel when it stands in opposition to divine truth. This usage firmly places מוֹעֵצָה in a negative light, signifying misguided or rebellious human planning that leads to ruin.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word to מוֹעֵצָה (`{{H4156}}`) is its root, יָעַץ (yaʻats, `{{H3289}}`), meaning "to advise," "to counsel," or "to plan." From this root also comes the more common noun עֵצָה (etsah, `{{H6098}}`), which broadly means "counsel," "advice," or "plan." While עֵצָה can refer to both human and divine counsel, and can be good or bad depending on its source and content, מוֹעֵצָה in its singular biblical appearance specifically highlights the negative outcome of human "devices" when they are contrary to wisdom.
Concepts related to מוֹעֵצָה include:
* **Wisdom (חָכְמָה, `{{H2451}}`) and Folly (אִוֶּלֶת, `{{H200}}`)**: The contrast between divine wisdom and human folly is central to the meaning of מוֹעֵצָה in [[Proverbs 1:31]].
* **Consequences of Choices**: The verse explicitly links human "devices" to their inevitable, often destructive, outcomes.
* **Divine Sovereignty vs. Human Autonomy**: While humans are free to devise their own plans, the ultimate outworking of these plans is subject to God's overarching purposes and justice.
### Theological Significance
Though appearing only once, the theological significance of מוֹעֵצָה (`{{H4156}}`) in [[Proverbs 1:31]] is profound. It serves as a stark warning against human self-reliance and the dangers of rejecting divine wisdom. The "devices" of the foolish are not merely plans, but a reflection of a heart that has chosen to disregard God's instruction.
This word underscores several key theological principles:
1. **Retributive Justice**: God allows individuals to experience the natural consequences of their own choices. The wicked are "filled with their own devices," meaning their destruction is a direct result of their own self-willed paths and plans.
2. **The Peril of Human Autonomy Apart from God**: When human beings devise their own purposes without reference to God's truth, these plans inevitably lead to self-destruction. It highlights the futility of human wisdom when it stands in opposition to divine revelation.
3. **The Call to Submission**: The implicit theological message is a call to abandon one's own "devices" and instead embrace the counsel and wisdom that comes from God, which alone leads to life and flourishing.
Thus, מוֹעֵצָה functions as a powerful theological descriptor of the self-defeating nature of rebellion against God's wisdom.
### Summary
מוֹעֵצָה (môwʻêtsâh, `{{H4156}}`) is a rare Hebrew noun derived from the root יָעַץ (`{{H3289}}`), meaning "to counsel" or "to plan." It denotes a "purpose," "counsel," or "device," representing the outcome of deliberation. Its singular occurrence in [[Proverbs 1:31]] is highly significant, where it refers to the "devices" of those who reject wisdom. In this context, מוֹעֵצָה carries a distinctly negative connotation, emphasizing the self-destructive schemes and plans of the foolish. Theologically, it powerfully illustrates the principle of reaping what one sows, particularly concerning one's chosen path and counsel. It serves as a solemn reminder of the futility and peril of relying on human "devices" rather than submitting to the righteous and life-giving counsel of God.
TRV