Do they not err that devise evil? but mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good.
Parallel translations
- WEB Don’t they go astray who plot evil? But love and faithfulness belong to those who plan good.
- BSB Do not those who contrive evil go astray? But those who plan goodness find loving devotion and faithfulness.
- NKJV Do they not go astray who devise evil? But mercy and truth belong to those who devise good.
- NASB Will they who devise evil not go astray? But kindness and truth will be to those who devise good.
- NLT If you plan to do evil, you will be lost; if you plan to do good, you will receive unfailing love and faithfulness.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
Those who plot evil go astray, but those who plan good find love and faithfulness. Our intentions set our direction.
Overview
This proverb poses a rhetorical question affirming that schemers of evil wander into error, while planners of good are met with steadfast love and faithfulness, the very covenant qualities of God. It links the orientation of the heart with the path one travels and the favor one receives. Those who devise good reflect God's own faithful love poured out in Christ.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 11
- Prov 12:2A good man obtaineth favour of the LORD: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn.
- John 1:17For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.
- Ps 61:7He shall abide before God for ever: O prepare mercy and truth, which may preserve him.
- Matt 5:7Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
- 2 Chr 6:8But the LORD said to David my father, Forasmuch as it was in thine heart to build an house for my name, thou didst well in that it was in thine heart:
- Isa 32:7–8The instruments also of the churl are evil: he deviseth wicked devices to destroy the poor with lying words, even when the needy speaketh right.
- Prov 19:22The desire of a man is his kindness: and a poor man is better than a liar.
- Gen 24:27And he said, Blessed be the LORD God of my master Abraham, who hath not left destitute my master of his mercy and his truth: I being in the way, the LORD led me to the house of my master’s brethren.
- Ps 25:10All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.
- Prov 3:29Devise not evil against thy neighbour, seeing he dwelleth securely by thee.
- Prov 14:17He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated.
Themes, concepts, people & topics
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Christ at the center
Wisdom personified, with God before creation and the agent of all things, anticipates Christ 'in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom' — the wisdom of God made flesh.
How Proverbs 14:22 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
Each word below is tagged with its Strong’s number — tap one to see the underlying Hebrew word, its meaning, and every verse that uses it.