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Proverbs 24:8

Proverbs 24:8 in Multiple Translations

He who plots evil will be called a schemer.

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

He that deviseth to do evil, Men shall call him a mischief-maker.

He whose purposes are bad will be named a man of evil designs.

Anyone who plans to do evil will be seen as a troublemaker.

Hee that imagineth to doe euill, men shall call him an autour of wickednes.

Whoso is devising to do evil, Him they call a master of wicked thoughts.

One who plots to do evil will be called a schemer.

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

He that deviseth to do evils, shall be called a fool.

Those who are always planning to do evil things will be called troublemakers.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 24:8

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 24:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB מְחַשֵּׁ֥ב לְ/הָרֵ֑עַ ל֝֗/וֹ בַּֽעַל מְזִמּ֥וֹת יִקְרָֽאוּ
מְחַשֵּׁ֥ב châshab H2803 to devise V-Piel
לְ/הָרֵ֑עַ râʻaʻ H7489 be evil Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
ל֝֗/וֹ Prep | Suff
בַּֽעַל baʻal H1167 master N-ms
מְזִמּ֥וֹת mᵉzimmâh H4209 plot N-fp
יִקְרָֽאוּ qârâʼ H7121 to call V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 24:8

מְחַשֵּׁ֥ב châshab H2803 "to devise" V-Piel
To devise means to think or plan something, often in a clever way. In the Bible, it can mean to plot or contrive, as seen in the story of David and Goliath.
Definition: : count/regard_as 1) to think, plan, esteem, calculate, invent, make a judgment, imagine, count 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to think, account 1a2) to plan, devise, mean 1a3) to charge, impute, reckon 1a4) to esteem, value, regard 1a5) to invent 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be accounted, be thought, be esteemed 1b2) to be computed, be reckoned 1b3) to be imputed 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to think upon, consider, be mindful of 1c2) to think to do, devise, plan 1c3) to count, reckon 1d) (Hithpael) to be considered
Usage: Occurs in 122 OT verses. KJV: (make) account (of), conceive, consider, count, cunning (man, work, workman), devise, esteem, find out, forecast, hold, imagine, impute, invent, be like, mean, purpose, reckon(-ing be made), regard, think. See also: Genesis 15:6; Psalms 35:4; Psalms 10:2.
לְ/הָרֵ֑עַ râʻaʻ H7489 "be evil" Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
This word means to shatter or break something into pieces, making it useless or bad. It can also mean to afflict or displease someone.
Definition: 1) to be bad, be evil 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to be displeasing 1a2) to be sad 1a3) to be injurious, be evil 1a4) to be wicked, be evil (ethically) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to do an injury or hurt 1b2) to do evil or wickedly 1b3) mischief (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 99 OT verses. KJV: afflict, associate selves (by mistake for H7462 (רָעָה)), break (down, in pieces), [phrase] displease, (be, bring, do) evil (doer, entreat, man), show self friendly (by mistake for H7462 (רָעָה)), do harm, (do) hurt, (behave self, deal) ill, [idiom] indeed, do mischief, punish, still, vex, (do) wicked (doer, -ly), be (deal, do) worse. See also: Genesis 19:7; Psalms 27:2; Psalms 2:9.
ל֝֗/וֹ "" Prep | Suff
בַּֽעַל baʻal H1167 "master" N-ms
Means master or owner, often referring to a husband or leader, as seen in the book of Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : master/leader 1) owner, husband, lord 1a) owner 1b) a husband 1c) citizens, inhabitants 1d) rulers, lords 1e) (noun of relationship used to characterise-ie, master of dreams)
Usage: Occurs in 79 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] archer, [phrase] babbler, [phrase] bird, captain, chief man, [phrase] confederate, [phrase] have to do, [phrase] dreamer, those to whom it is due, [phrase] furious, those that are given to it, great, [phrase] hairy, he that hath it, have, [phrase] horseman, husband, lord, man, [phrase] married, master, person, [phrase] sworn, they of. See also: Genesis 14:13; 1 Samuel 23:11; Proverbs 1:17.
מְזִמּ֥וֹת mᵉzimmâh H4209 "plot" N-fp
This Hebrew word means a plan or plot, which can be either good or evil. It appears in the Bible as a device, discretion, or intent. In the KJV, it is translated as a wicked device or witty invention.
Definition: 1) purpose, discretion, device, plot 1a) purpose 1b) discretion 1c) devices (evil)
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: (wicked) device, discretion, intent, witty invention, lewdness, mischievous (device), thought, wickedly. See also: Job 21:27; Proverbs 3:21; Psalms 10:2.
יִקְרָֽאוּ qârâʼ H7121 "to call" V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.

Study Notes — Proverbs 24:8

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Psalms 21:11 Though they intend You harm, the schemes they devise will not prevail.
2 Ezekiel 38:10–11 This is what the Lord GOD says: On that day, thoughts will arise in your mind, and you will devise an evil plan. You will say, ‘I will go up against a land of unwalled villages; I will come against a tranquil people who dwell securely, all of them living without walls or bars or gates—
3 Proverbs 14:22 Do not those who contrive evil go astray? But those who plan goodness find loving devotion and faithfulness.
4 Proverbs 6:18 a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that run swiftly to evil,
5 Proverbs 6:14 With deceit in his heart he devises evil; he continually sows discord.
6 Romans 1:30 slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant, and boastful. They invent new forms of evil; they disobey their parents.
7 Isaiah 32:7 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.
8 Isaiah 10:7–13 But this is not his intention; this is not his plan. For it is in his heart to destroy and cut off many nations. “Are not all my commanders kings?” he says. “Is not Calno like Carchemish? Is not Hamath like Arpad? Is not Samaria like Damascus? As my hand seized the idolatrous kingdoms whose images surpassed those of Jerusalem and Samaria, and as I have done to Samaria and its idols, will I not also do to Jerusalem and her idols?” So when the Lord has completed all His work against Mount Zion and Jerusalem, He will say, “I will punish the king of Assyria for the fruit of his arrogant heart and the proud look in his eyes. For he says: ‘By the strength of my hand I have done this, and by my wisdom, for I am clever. I have removed the boundaries of nations and plundered their treasures; like a mighty one I subdued their rulers.
9 Proverbs 24:2 for their hearts devise violence, and their lips declare trouble.
10 1 Kings 2:44 The king also said, “You know in your heart all the evil that you did to my father David. Therefore the LORD will bring your evil back upon your head.

Proverbs 24:8 Summary

This verse means that if we plan or think about doing bad things to others, people will think of us as sneaky and untrustworthy. It's like what it says in Proverbs 10:9, that the man of integrity walks securely, but the one who makes crooked plans will be found out. We should always try to think of ways to help and love others, not hurt them, as Jesus teaches us in Matthew 22:37-40. By doing so, we can have a good reputation and please God.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to plot evil in Proverbs 24:8?

To plot evil means to plan or devise harm or wickedness against others, as seen in Proverbs 24:8, and is condemned by God, as stated in Proverbs 6:16-19 and Psalm 36:4.

Is being called a schemer a good or bad thing according to this verse?

Being called a schemer in Proverbs 24:8 is definitely a bad thing, as it implies that the person is known for their evil plans and intentions, much like the wicked person described in Psalm 10:2-11.

How does this verse relate to our everyday lives?

This verse reminds us that our actions and plans have consequences, and that plotting evil will ultimately lead to a bad reputation and judgment from God, as warned in Proverbs 28:13 and 1 Corinthians 4:5.

What is the opposite of plotting evil according to the Bible?

The opposite of plotting evil is to plan and devise good, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:27-35 and Philippians 4:8-9, which leads to a good reputation and blessings from God.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways I might be plotting evil without realizing it, and how can I change my ways to please God?
  2. How does my reputation reflect my heart and actions, and what can I do to improve it?
  3. In what ways can I use my planning and devising skills for good, as encouraged in the Bible?
  4. What are some consequences I might face if I continue to plot evil, and how can I avoid them?

Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 24:8

He that deviseth to do evil shall be called a mischievous person] To do evil is natural to men, all are prone to it; being conceived and born in sin, and, from the womb, more or less commit it: but

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 24:8

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

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 24:8

Heb. a master of mischief. The sense is, Though he cover his wicked devices with fair pretences, and would be better esteemed, yet he shall be noted and branded with that infamy which is due to him.

Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 24:8

Proverbs 24:8 He that deviseth to do evil shall be called a mischievous person.Ver. 8. Shall be called a mischievous person.] Heb., A master of sinful musings, an artist at any evil. Josephus saith of Antipater, that his course of life might fitly be called a mystery of mischief, quae altissimas egerat radices, &c. κακιαςμυστηριον.

Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 24:8

8. shall be called] Lit. they (men) shall call him. However secretly he works (comp. Psalms 64:6 [Hebrews 7]), his true character shall be found out, and his reputation shall accord with it.

Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 24:8

8. He that deviseth to do evil — A master of mischief. “Mischief and wrong are his ownership and property.” — Wordsworth. “Inventors of evil things.” Romans 1:30.

Sermons on Proverbs 24:8

SermonDescription
William Cowper Expostulation by William Cowper The preacher delves into the concept of 'Provision' (pronoia), emphasizing the importance of not making plans that open the door for sin's entry. He highlights the need to carefull
Carter Conlon Bringing the Power of God Into Prayer by Carter Conlon In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of speaking and the impact it can have on someone's life. He shares a story from the Old Testament about three lepers who made a c
Billy Graham Crusade 1957 by Billy Graham This sermon emphasizes the importance of examining and surrendering our hearts to God. It delves into the sinful, wicked, rebellious, and hardened nature of the human heart, highli
George Fox Epistle 349 by George Fox George Fox preaches about the importance of staying in the Lord's power to maintain His kingdom in righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit, free from the devil's influence
Zac Poonen (The Last Days & the Lord's Coming) a Pure Virgin for Christ by Zac Poonen In this sermon, the preacher discusses the distinction between the church and the world. He uses a metaphor of a handsome man and a bride walking down the road to illustrate how th
Keith Daniel Taranaki Bible Conference January 19-2012 - 3 of 5 Sermons by Keith Daniel In this sermon, the preacher discusses the consequences of finding Christ in a home. He emphasizes the importance of free will and how it can affect one's relationship with God. Th
Paris Reidhead The Tragedy of Third Generation Religion by Paris Reidhead Paris Reidhead preaches on the tragedy of third-generation religion, using Judges chapter 2 to illustrate how the Israelites turned to idols despite witnessing God's miracles. He e

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