Proverbs 24:2
Proverbs 24:2 in Multiple Translations
for their hearts devise violence, and their lips declare trouble.
For their heart studieth destruction, and their lips talk of mischief.
For their heart studieth oppression, And their lips talk of mischief.
For the purposes of their hearts are destruction, and their lips are talking of trouble.
for they think up cruel plans and discuss how to cause trouble.
For their heart imagineth destruction, and their lippes speake mischiefe.
For destruction doth their heart meditate, And perverseness do their lips speak.
for their hearts plot violence and their lips talk about mischief.
For their heart studieth destruction, and their lips talk of mischief.
Because their mind studieth robberies, and their lips speak deceits.
because they are constantly thinking about acting violently, and whenever they speak [MTY], they talk about ◄causing trouble/hurting someone►.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 24:2
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 24:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּי
שֹׁ֭ד
יֶהְגֶּ֣ה
לִבָּ֑/ם
וְ֝/עָמָ֗ל
שִׂפְתֵי/הֶ֥ם
תְּדַבֵּֽרְנָה
כִּי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
שֹׁ֭ד
shôd
H7701
violence
N-ms
יֶהְגֶּ֣ה
hâgâh
H1897
to mutter
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
לִבָּ֑/ם
lêb
H3820
heart
N-ms | Suff
וְ֝/עָמָ֗ל
ʻâmâl
H5999
trouble
Conj | N-cs
שִׂפְתֵי/הֶ֥ם
sâphâh
H8193
lips
N-fd | Suff
תְּדַבֵּֽרְנָה
dâbar
H1696
to speak
V-Piel-Imperf-3fp
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 24:2
כִּי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
שֹׁ֭ד
shôd
H7701
"violence"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word means violence or destruction, often referring to social sin or ruin, as seen in the desolation of cities like Sodom and Gomorrah. It is used to describe the devastating effects of war and oppression. This concept is discussed in books like Isaiah and Jeremiah.
Definition: 1) havoc, violence, destruction, devastation, ruin 1a) violence, havoc (as social sin) 1b) devastation, ruin
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: desolation, destruction, oppression, robbery, spoil(-ed, -er, -ing), wasting. See also: Job 5:21; Jeremiah 20:8; Psalms 12:6.
יֶהְגֶּ֣ה
hâgâh
H1897
"to mutter"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To mutter or ponder, as seen in Psalm 1:2 where it means to meditate on God's law, and also in Psalm 37:35 where it describes plotting evil.
Definition: 1) to moan, growl, utter, muse, mutter, meditate, devise, plot, speak 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to roar, growl, groan 1a2) to utter, speak 1a3) to meditate, devise, muse, imagine 1b) (Poal) to utter 1c) (Hiphil) to mutter
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: imagine, meditate, mourn, mutter, roar, [idiom] sore, speak, study, talk, utter. See also: Joshua 1:8; Proverbs 8:7; Psalms 1:2.
לִבָּ֑/ם
lêb
H3820
"heart"
N-ms | Suff
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
וְ֝/עָמָ֗ל
ʻâmâl
H5999
"trouble"
Conj | N-cs
This word refers to trouble or hard work that causes worry or pain, whether physical or mental, like the struggles of the Israelites in the book of Exodus.
Definition: 1) toil, trouble, labour 1a) trouble 1b) trouble, mischief 1c) toil, labour
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: grievance(-vousness), iniquity, labour, mischief, miserable(-sery), pain(-ful), perverseness, sorrow, toil, travail, trouble, wearisome, wickedness. See also: Genesis 41:51; Ecclesiastes 1:3; Psalms 7:15.
שִׂפְתֵי/הֶ֥ם
sâphâh
H8193
"lips"
N-fd | Suff
This word refers to lips or language, and can also mean the edge or border of something. It is used in the Bible to describe the shore of a sea or the edge of a cup.
Definition: : lips/mouth 1) lip, language, speech, shore, bank, brink, brim, side, edge, border, binding 1a) lip (as body part) 1b) language 1c) edge, shore, bank (of cup, sea, river, etc)
Usage: Occurs in 164 OT verses. KJV: band, bank, binding, border, brim, brink, edge, language, lip, prating, (sea-)shore, side, speech, talk, (vain) words. See also: Genesis 11:1; Psalms 120:2; Psalms 12:3.
תְּדַבֵּֽרְנָה
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
V-Piel-Imperf-3fp
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
Study Notes — Proverbs 24:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 24:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 24:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 24:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 24:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 24:2
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 24:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 24:2
- Sermons on Proverbs 24:2
Context — Saying 20
1Do not envy wicked men or desire their company;
2for their hearts devise violence, and their lips declare trouble.
3By wisdom a house is built and by understanding it is established; 4through knowledge its rooms are filled with every precious and beautiful treasure.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 10:7 | His mouth is full of cursing, deceit, and violence; trouble and malice are under his tongue. |
| 2 | Psalms 7:14 | Behold, the wicked man travails with evil; he conceives trouble and births falsehood. |
| 3 | Psalms 28:3 | Do not drag me away with the wicked, and with the workers of iniquity, who speak peace to their neighbors while malice is in their hearts. |
| 4 | Isaiah 59:4 | No one calls for justice; no one pleads his case honestly. They rely on empty pleas; they tell lies; they conceive mischief and give birth to iniquity. |
| 5 | Job 15:35 | They conceive trouble and give birth to evil; their womb is pregnant with deceit.” |
| 6 | 1 Samuel 23:9 | When David learned that Saul was plotting evil against him, he said to Abiathar the priest, “Bring the ephod.” |
| 7 | Acts 13:10 | and said, “O child of the devil and enemy of all righteousness, you are full of all kinds of deceit and trickery! Will you never stop perverting the straight ways of the Lord? |
| 8 | Micah 7:3 | Both hands are skilled at evil; the prince and the judge demand a bribe. When the powerful utters his evil desire, they all conspire together. |
| 9 | Luke 23:20–21 | Wanting to release Jesus, Pilate addressed them again, but they kept shouting, “Crucify Him! Crucify Him!” |
| 10 | Psalms 64:4–6 | ambushing the innocent in seclusion, shooting suddenly, without fear. They hold fast to their evil purpose; they speak of hiding their snares. “Who will see them?” they say. They devise injustice and say, “We have perfected a secret plan.” For the inner man and the heart are mysterious. |
Proverbs 24:2 Summary
Proverbs 24:2 tells us that the hearts of wicked people think up violent plans, and their words cause trouble for others. This is the opposite of what God wants for us, as seen in Matthew 5:9, which says 'blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God'. We should strive to have hearts that think up good and kind plans, and use our words to bring peace and not trouble, as encouraged in Ephesians 4:29, which says 'let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear'. By following God's path, we can build strong and loving relationships, and bring joy and peace to those around us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is meant by 'their hearts devise violence' in Proverbs 24:2?
This phrase suggests that the wicked have a deep-seated intention to harm others, as seen in their thoughts and plans, which is also reflected in Psalm 140:2, where it says 'who devise evil plans in their hearts'
How do the lips of the wicked declare trouble?
The lips of the wicked declare trouble by speaking lies, slander, and evil words, as mentioned in Psalm 52:2, which says 'your tongue devises destruction, like a sharp razor, you worker of deceit'
Why should we not envy wicked men or desire their company, as mentioned in the preceding verse, Proverbs 24:1?
We should not envy wicked men because their ways are destructive and lead to trouble, as stated in Proverbs 24:2, and instead, we should follow the path of righteousness, as encouraged in Proverbs 10:2, which says 'treasures gained by wickedness do not profit, but righteousness delivers from death'
What can we learn from the contrast between the wicked and the wise in Proverbs 24:1-4?
The contrast highlights the importance of wisdom and righteousness, as seen in Proverbs 24:3-4, where it says 'by wisdom a house is built and by understanding it is established', and this is reinforced in Proverbs 10:1, which says 'a wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish son is a sorrow to his mother'
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I may be devising violence or declaring trouble with my words, and how can I change this?
- How can I cultivate a heart that devises good and not evil, as encouraged in Micah 6:8, which says 'what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God'?
- In what ways can I use my words to bring peace and not trouble, as seen in Proverbs 12:18, which says 'the words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing'?
- What are some practical steps I can take to avoid the company of wicked men and instead surround myself with wise and righteous influences, as encouraged in Psalm 1:1, which says 'blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers'?
- How can I apply the wisdom of Proverbs 24:2 to my daily interactions and relationships, and what impact can this have on my life and the lives of those around me?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 24:2
For their heart studieth destruction,.... To others; to good men, that separate from them, and reprove them, or are in their way; or any ways hinder them in the prosecution of their wicked designs;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 24:2
For their heart studieth destruction, and their lips talk of mischief. For their heart studieth destruction - against others, which recoils on themselves (Proverbs 11:3; Proverbs 11:5-6; Job 5:2).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 24:2
Studieth destruction; how they may oppress and destroy others, which yet at last falls upon their own heads.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 24:2
Proverbs 24:2 For their heart studieth destruction, and their lips talk of mischief.Ver. 2. For their heart studieth destruction.] Great students they are; wittily wicked; but they consult shame and confusion to them and theirs. And their lips talk of mischief.] The mischief that they machinate budgeth and blistereth out at their tongues’ ends. They are even big with it, and not well till delivered.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 24:2
2. destruction] Better, violence, or, oppression. Comp. Proverbs 21:7, where the same Heb. word is rendered robbery, A.V., and violence, R.V. These Proverbs 24:1-2, as compared with Proverbs 3:31-32, and Proverbs 23:17-18, are an example of the repetition in this Book of the same injunction, supported by a different reason.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 24:2
1, 2. Be not thou envious — ú÷ðà, (tekanne,) jealous, angry, or excited.The radical idea is heat. See Proverbs 24:19; also Proverbs 28:5; Proverbs 23:17; Proverbs 23:3; Proverbs 23:6; Psalms 37:1; Psalms 73:3.
Sermons on Proverbs 24:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Under Sin by Don McClure | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the impact of sin on the human mind and its ability to comprehend spiritual matters. He highlights the irony of highly intelligent individuals |
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Bearing the Rod by A.W. Pink | The preacher delves into the concept of cursing, originally meaning a wish or prayer for harm, but evolving into an invocation of evil upon another. Cursing involves expressing a d |
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Giving Birth to a Monster by Warren Wiersbe | Warren Wiersbe delivers a powerful sermon based on Psalms 7:10-17, emphasizing the consequences of sin and the importance of maintaining integrity in the face of persecution. The p |
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Passion Prayer by Stewart Ruch | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story of a family vacation where they faced a perilous situation with their van breaking down. The speaker emphasizes the importance o |
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The Secret of Holiness by Dennis Kinlaw | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of finding just one person who deals honestly and seeks the truth in order to bring salvation and forgiveness to a city. The s |
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He Said to Abiathar the Priest, by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the importance of seeking God's guidance in times of distress, as exemplified by David's reliance on the ephod during a crisis when his men considered stoning |
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Spirit of Perversion - Part 2 by Joshua Daniel | This sermon emphasizes the importance of standing firm in faith and resisting the perversion of God's ways, as seen in the encounter between Paul and the sorcerer Elemas in Acts 13 |