Proverbs 14:22
Proverbs 14:22 in Multiple Translations
Do not those who contrive evil go astray? But those who plan goodness find loving devotion and faithfulness.
Do they not err that devise evil? but mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good.
Do they not err that devise evil? But mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good.
Will not the designers of evil come into error? But mercy and good faith are for the designers of good.
Aren't people who plan to do evil wrong? But those who plan to do good have trustworthy love and faithfulness.
Doe not they erre that imagine euill? but to them that thinke on good things, shalbe mercie and trueth.
Do not they err who are devising evil? And kindness and truth [are] to those devising good,
Don’t they go astray who plot evil? But love and faithfulness belong to those who plan good.
Do they not err that devise evil? but mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good.
They err that work evil: but mercy and truth prepare good things.
Those who plan to do things that are evil/wrong are walking on the wrong road; people faithfully love, respect and are loyal to those who plan to do what is good.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 14:22
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 14:22 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הֲֽ/לוֹא
יִ֭תְעוּ
חֹ֣רְשֵׁי
רָ֑ע
וְ/חֶ֥סֶד
וֶ֝/אֱמֶ֗ת
חֹ֣רְשֵׁי
טֽוֹב
הֲֽ/לוֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part | Part
יִ֭תְעוּ
tâʻâh
H8582
to go astray
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
חֹ֣רְשֵׁי
chârash
H2790
to plow/plot
V-Qal
רָ֑ע
raʻ
H7451
bad
Adj
וְ/חֶ֥סֶד
chêçêd
H2617
kindness
Conj | N-ms
וֶ֝/אֱמֶ֗ת
ʼemeth
H571
truth
Conj | N-fs
חֹ֣רְשֵׁי
chârash
H2790
to plow/plot
V-Qal
טֽוֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
pleasant
Adj
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 14:22
הֲֽ/לוֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יִ֭תְעוּ
tâʻâh
H8582
"to go astray"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
This word means to go astray or wander, and can be used physically or morally. It can also mean to cause someone to err or stumble.
Definition: 1) to err, wander, go astray, stagger 1a) (Qal) to err 1a1) to wander about (physically) 1a2) of intoxication 1a3) of sin (ethically) 1a4) wandering (of the mind) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made to wander about, be made to stagger (drunkard) 1b2) to be led astray (ethically) 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to wander 1c1) to cause to wander about (physically) 1c2) to cause to wander (of intoxication) 1c3) to cause to err, mislead (mentally and morally)
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) go astray, deceive, dissemble, (cause to, make to) err, pant, seduce, (make to) stagger, (cause to) wander, be out of the way. See also: Genesis 20:13; Isaiah 9:15; Psalms 58:4.
חֹ֣רְשֵׁי
chârash
H2790
"to plow/plot"
V-Qal
This verb can mean to be quiet or silent, but also to scratch or engrave, like a farmer plowing a field. It is used in various contexts, including being silent or deaf. The KJV translates it in different ways, including 'cease' or 'hold peace'.
Definition: 1) to cut in, plough, engrave, devise 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cut in, engrave 1a2) to plough 1a3) to devise 1b) (Niphal) to be ploughed 1c) (Hiphil) to plot evil
Usage: Occurs in 65 OT verses. KJV: [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. See also: Genesis 24:21; Psalms 28:1; Psalms 32:3.
רָ֑ע
raʻ
H7451
"bad"
Adj
Ra means bad or evil, referring to moral or natural harm. It describes adversity, affliction, or distress, and is often used to convey a sense of misery or injury.
Definition: : harmful adj 1) bad, evil 1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant 1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery) 1c) evil, displeasing 1d) bad (of its kind-land, water, etc) 1e) bad (of value) 1f) worse than, worst (comparison) 1g) sad, unhappy 1h) evil (hurtful) 1i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition) 1j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically) 1j1) in general, of persons, of thoughts 1j2) deeds, actions
Usage: Occurs in 623 OT verses. KJV: 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.). See also: Genesis 2:9; Judges 9:57; 2 Kings 21:6.
וְ/חֶ֥סֶד
chêçêd
H2617
"kindness"
Conj | N-ms
This word refers to kindness, mercy, or pity, often used to describe God's loving actions towards humanity. It is translated as 'favour', 'kindness', or 'mercy' in the KJV. It emphasizes God's loving character.
Definition: goodness, kindness, faithfulness
Usage: Occurs in 241 OT verses. KJV: favour, good deed(-liness, -ness), kindly, (loving-) kindness, merciful (kindness), mercy, pity, reproach, wicked thing. See also: Genesis 19:19; Psalms 51:3; Psalms 5:8.
וֶ֝/אֱמֶ֗ת
ʼemeth
H571
"truth"
Conj | N-fs
This Hebrew word means truth, faithfulness, or stability, and is often used to describe God's character and promises. In Psalm 100:5, it says God's truth endures forever, and in Proverbs 12:17, it emphasizes the importance of truthful speech.
Definition: : faithful 1) firmness, faithfulness, truth 1a) sureness, reliability 1b) stability, continuance 1c) faithfulness, reliableness 1d) truth 1d1) as spoken 1d2) of testimony and judgment 1d3) of divine instruction 1d4) truth as a body of ethical or religious knowledge 1d5) true doctrine adv 2) in truth, truly
Usage: Occurs in 125 OT verses. KJV: assured(-ly), establishment, faithful, right, sure, true (-ly, -th), verity. See also: Genesis 24:27; Psalms 111:7; Psalms 15:2.
חֹ֣רְשֵׁי
chârash
H2790
"to plow/plot"
V-Qal
This verb can mean to be quiet or silent, but also to scratch or engrave, like a farmer plowing a field. It is used in various contexts, including being silent or deaf. The KJV translates it in different ways, including 'cease' or 'hold peace'.
Definition: 1) to cut in, plough, engrave, devise 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cut in, engrave 1a2) to plough 1a3) to devise 1b) (Niphal) to be ploughed 1c) (Hiphil) to plot evil
Usage: Occurs in 65 OT verses. KJV: [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. See also: Genesis 24:21; Psalms 28:1; Psalms 32:3.
טֽוֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
"pleasant"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.
Definition: adj 1) good, pleasant, agreeable 1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses) 1b) pleasant (to the higher nature) 1c) good, excellent (of its kind) 1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation 1e) good, appropriate, becoming 1f) better (comparative) 1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature) 1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature) 1i) good, kind, benign 1j) good, right (ethical) Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)
Usage: Occurs in 521 OT verses. KJV: beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). See also: Genesis 1:4; Ruth 2:22; 2 Chronicles 3:8.
Study Notes — Proverbs 14:22
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 14:22 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 14:22
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 14:22
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 14:22
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 14:22
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 14:22
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 14:22
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 14:22
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 14:22
- Sermons on Proverbs 14:22
Context — The Wise Woman
20The poor man is hated even by his neighbor, but many are those who love the rich.
21He who despises his neighbor sins, but blessed is he who shows kindness to the poor.
22Do not those who contrive evil go astray? But those who plan goodness find loving devotion and faithfulness.
23There is profit in all labor, but mere talk leads only to poverty. 24The crown of the wise is their wealth, but the effort of fools is folly.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 12:2 | The good man obtains favor from the LORD, but the LORD condemns a man who devises evil. |
| 2 | John 1:17 | For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. |
| 3 | Psalms 61:7 | May he sit enthroned in God’s presence forever; appoint Your loving devotion and Your faithfulness to guard him. |
| 4 | Isaiah 32:7–8 | The weapons of the scoundrel are destructive; he hatches plots to destroy the poor with lies, even when the plea of the needy is just. But a noble man makes honorable plans; he stands up for worthy causes. |
| 5 | 2 Chronicles 6:8 | But the LORD said to my father David, ‘Since it was in your heart to build a house for My Name, you have done well to have this in your heart. |
| 6 | Matthew 5:7 | Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. |
| 7 | Genesis 24:27 | saying, “Blessed be the LORD, the God of my master Abraham, who has not withheld His kindness and faithfulness from my master. As for me, the LORD has led me on the journey to the house of my master’s relatives.” |
| 8 | Proverbs 14:17 | A quick-tempered man acts foolishly, and a devious man is hated. |
| 9 | Psalms 25:10 | All the LORD’s ways are loving and faithful to those who keep His covenant and His decrees. |
| 10 | Proverbs 19:22 | The desire of a man is loving devotion; better to be poor than a liar. |
Proverbs 14:22 Summary
This verse teaches us that when we plan to do bad things, we will get lost and go the wrong way, but when we plan to do good things, we will find God's love and faithfulness. It's like what Psalm 37:3-4 says, 'Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.' We should try to be kind and do good to others, and God will bless us and show us His love. By doing so, we will experience the joy and peace that comes from living a life that honors God, as seen in Matthew 5:16, where it says, 'Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.'
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'contrive evil' in Proverbs 14:22?
To contrive evil means to plan or scheme to do harm or wrong to others, as seen in Proverbs 24:8, where it says, 'One who plots evil will be called a schemer.'
How can we 'plan goodness' as mentioned in this verse?
Planning goodness involves intentionally seeking ways to show love, kindness, and compassion to others, as encouraged in Galatians 6:10, where we are told to 'do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.'
What is 'loving devotion and faithfulness' that those who plan goodness find?
Loving devotion and faithfulness refer to the loyal love and commitment of God, as expressed in Psalm 36:5, which says, 'Your loving devotion, O Lord, reaches to the heavens, Your faithfulness to the skies.'
Is this verse saying that our actions have consequences, and if so, what does that mean for us?
Yes, this verse teaches that our actions have consequences, and as seen in Proverbs 11:18, 'A wicked person earns deceptive wages, but one who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward.' This means that we should strive to plan goodness and live righteously to receive God's blessing and favor.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways can I intentionally plan goodness in my daily life, and how can I show love and kindness to those around me?
- How have I seen the consequences of contriving evil or planning goodness play out in my own life or in the lives of others?
- What are some practical ways I can seek to show compassion and care to those in need, as an expression of God's love and faithfulness?
- How can I cultivate a heart of loving devotion and faithfulness towards God and others, and what role does humility and obedience play in this process?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 14:22
Do they not err that devise evil?.... Certainly they do; they go astray from the right way, from the word of truth, from the Gospel of Christ, who contrive schemes to commit sin, and do mischief to
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 14:22
Do they not err that devise evil? but mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good. Do they not err that devise evil? but mercy and truth (shall be) to them that devise good.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 14:22
Do they not err? they do certainly err from the right way, and mistake their mark, and shall miss of that advantage and felicity which they promise to themselves by such practices. That devise; that do not only commit it, but make it their design, and study, and business; that are artists or masters in it, as the word signifies. Evil; either, 1. Mischief to men. Or, 2. Any kind of wickedness against God or men; for the expression is general; and this seems best to agree to the following clause. Mercy and truth; either, 1. From men; men shall deal truly and kindly with them, partly because such men by their carriage obliged them to do so, and partly because God inclineth their hearts to it. Or, 2. From God, to whom these two properties are jointly ascribed in divers places of Scripture.
That devise good; that designedly and industriously apply themselves to the doing of all good offices to God and men.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 14:22
Proverbs 14:22 Do they not err that devise evil? but mercy and truth [shall be] to them that devise good.Ver. 22. Do they not err that devise evil?] Heb., That plough it and plot it, that dig it and delve it, that whet their wits and beat their brains about it - do not these err? Are they not heavenly wide, utterly out? Shall they not miss their purpose, and meet with disappointment? Witness those Babel-builders, those kill-Christs, those state traitors, Sheba, Shebna, &c., various English traitors who drew their last thread in the triangle of Tyburn. Knute, the first Danique king, caused the false Edric’ s head to be set on the highest part of the Tower of London, therein performing his promise of advancing him above any lord in the land. Traitors always become odious, though the treason be commodious. Philip, Duke of Austria, paid the ambassadors of Charles IV, who had betrayed their trust, in counterfeit coin, whereof, when they complained, he answered, that false coin was good enough for false knaves. James I, King of Scots, was murdered in Perth by Walter, Earl of Athol, in hope to attain the crown; but his hopes failed him. Crowned, indeed, he was, but with a crown of red-hot iron clapt upon his head, being one of the tortures wherewith he ended at once his wicked days and devices.
But mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good.] Mercy and truth were the best that David could wish to his fast friend, Ittai. These two attributes of God shall cause that good devices shall not miscarry. His mercy moves him to promise, his truth binds him to perform. "For thy word’ s sake, and according to thine own heart, hast thou done all these things." "According to thine own heart"; that is, of mere mercy, out of pure and unexcited love, thou didst give thy word and promise, and "for thy word’ s sake" thou hast performed it. Toto errant caelo. Daniel’ s Hist., 19. Parei Hist., prof. medul., 769. Hect. Boeth.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 14:22
(22) Do they not err that devise evil?—Comp. Wis 5:6-7. Mercy and truth.—God will be merciful, and also fulfil His promises of protection and reward to them (Wis 3:9).
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 14:22
22. The LXX. add: They understand not mercy and faith who are devisers of evil, But things merciful and faithful are with them who devise good.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 14:22
Err - In the sense of wandering from the right way, the way of life.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 14:22
22. Err that devise evil — Perhaps in the sense of planning iniquity, dishonesty, injustice. Mercy and truth — Or, kindness and faithfulness shall be to those whose purposes and plans are good.
Sermons on Proverbs 14:22
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Proverbs 10-11 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the contrast between the diligent and the lazy. He emphasizes that the lazy person will end up poor, while the diligent person will become ri |
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(Proverbs) ch.11:12 - 12:21 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of honesty and truthfulness in our words and actions. He highlights that telling lies can lead to trouble and that honesty is |
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Enjoying God's Grace - Part 1 by Derek Prince | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of grace and its opposite, which is law. He emphasizes that when talking about law, it is not referring to secular law, but rathe |
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Man's Petty Kingdom by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker begins by acknowledging his role as a messenger of God and emphasizes the importance of radical choosing and repentance. He highlights the two categorie |
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Resources for Christian Living by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of experiencing a deep and ongoing relationship with God. He warns against becoming complacent or shallow in one's faith and u |
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Beatitudes - Part 5 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on a man who left behind a life of excess and materialism to live a simpler and more spiritual life. The man finds peace and paradise in a gar |
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(The Real Jesus) 3 Jesus Humbled Himself by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living out the teachings of Jesus rather than just preaching them. He encourages believers to be honest about their own sin |