◄ Proverbs 12:20 ►
Verse  (Click for Chapter)
New International Version
Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil, but those who promote peace have joy.

New Living Translation
Deceit fills hearts that are plotting evil; joy fills hearts that are planning peace!

English Standard Version
Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, but those who plan peace have joy.

Berean Standard Bible
Deceit is in the hearts of those who devise evil, but the counselors of peace have joy.

King James Bible
Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellers of peace is joy.

New King James Version
Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, But counselors of peace have joy.

New American Standard Bible
Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, But counselors of peace have joy.

NASB 1995
Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, But counselors of peace have joy.

NASB 1977
Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, But counselors of peace have joy.

Legacy Standard Bible
Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, But counselors of peace have gladness.

Amplified Bible
Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, But counselors of peace have joy.

Christian Standard Bible
Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil, but those who promote peace have joy.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil, but those who promote peace have joy.

American Standard Version
Deceit is in the heart of them that devise evil; But to the counsellors of peace is joy.

Contemporary English Version
An evil mind is deceitful, but gentle thoughts bring happiness.

English Revised Version
Deceit is in the heart of them that devise evil: but to the counsellors of peace is joy.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Deceit is in the heart of those who plan evil, but joy belongs to those who advise peace.

Good News Translation
Those who plan evil are in for a rude surprise, but those who work for good will find happiness.

International Standard Version
Deceit is at home in the heart of those who plan evil, but those who promote peace rejoice.

Majority Standard Bible
Deceit is in the hearts of those who devise evil, but the counselors of peace have joy.

NET Bible
Deceit is in the heart of those who plot evil, but those who promote peace have joy.

New Heart English Bible
Deceit is in the heart of those who plot evil, but joy comes to the promoters of peace.

Webster's Bible Translation
Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counselors of peace is joy.

World English Bible
Deceit is in the heart of those who plot evil, but joy comes to the promoters of peace.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Deceit [is] in the heart of those devising evil, "" But for counselors of peace—joy.

Young's Literal Translation
Deceit is in the heart of those devising evil, And to those counselling peace is joy.

Smith's Literal Translation
Deceit in the heart of those devising evil: and joy to those counseling peace.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Deceit is in the heart of them that think evil things: but joy followeth them that take counsels of peace.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evils. But gladness follows those who take up counsels of peace.

New American Bible
Deceit is in the heart of those who plot evil, but those who counsel peace have joy.

New Revised Standard Version
Deceit is in the mind of those who plan evil, but those who counsel peace have joy.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Deceit is in the heart of the wicked who plot evil; but those who give counsel of peace shall have joy.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Deceit in the heart of the evil devises evil, and those that counsel peace will have joy.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Deceit is in the heart of them that devise evil; But to the counsellors of peace is joy.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
There is deceit in the heart of him that imagines evil; but they that love peace shall rejoice.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Loving Discipline and Knowledge
…19Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment. 20Deceit is in the hearts of those who devise evil, but the counselors of peace have joy. 21No harm befalls the righteous, but the wicked are filled with trouble.…
Berean Standard Bible · Download


Cross References
Matthew 5:9
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.

James 3:18
Peacemakers who sow in peace reap the fruit of righteousness.

Romans 14:19
So then, let us pursue what leads to peace and to mutual edification.

Psalm 34:14
Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.

Isaiah 32:17
The work of righteousness will be peace; the service of righteousness will be quiet confidence forever.

Romans 12:18
If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone.

Hebrews 12:14
Pursue peace with everyone, as well as holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.

1 Peter 3:11
He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it.

Galatians 5:22
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

Philippians 4:7
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Psalm 37:37
Consider the blameless and observe the upright, for posterity awaits the man of peace.

Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope.

2 Corinthians 13:11
Finally, brothers, rejoice! Aim for perfect harmony, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.

Colossians 3:15
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, for to this you were called as members of one body. And be thankful.

1 Thessalonians 5:13
In love, hold them in highest regard because of their work. Live in peace with one another.


Treasury of Scripture

Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace is joy.

deceit

Proverbs 12:12
The wicked desireth the net of evil men: but the root of the righteous yieldeth fruit.

Proverbs 26:24-26
He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, and layeth up deceit within him; …

Jeremiah 17:16
As for me, I have not hastened from being a pastor to follow thee: neither have I desired the woeful day; thou knowest: that which came out of my lips was right before thee.

but

Isaiah 9:6,7
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace…

Zechariah 6:13
Even he shall build the temple of the LORD; and he shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon his throne; and he shall be a priest upon his throne: and the counsel of peace shall be between them both.

Matthew 5:9
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

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Proverbs 12
1. Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge














Berean Study Bible
Deceit
The Hebrew word for "deceit" is "mirmah," which conveys a sense of treachery, fraud, or falsehood. In the biblical context, deceit is often associated with the actions of those who oppose God's truth and righteousness. It is a tool of the wicked, used to manipulate and harm others for personal gain. The presence of deceit in one's heart indicates a deep-seated corruption and a departure from the path of integrity and honesty that God desires for His people.

is in the hearts
The "heart" in Hebrew, "lev," is not merely the seat of emotions but encompasses the mind, will, and inner being of a person. It is the core of one's identity and moral character. When deceit resides in the heart, it suggests a fundamental flaw in one's spiritual and ethical foundation. The heart is where intentions are formed, and when it is filled with deceit, it leads to actions that are contrary to God's will.

of those who devise evil
The phrase "devise evil" comes from the Hebrew "charash ra," which means to plot or plan harm. This is a deliberate and conscious effort to bring about negative outcomes, often for selfish purposes. In the biblical narrative, those who devise evil are frequently contrasted with the righteous, highlighting the moral divide between those who follow God's commandments and those who pursue their own wicked schemes.

but those who promote peace
The Hebrew word for "promote" is "ya'ats," which means to counsel or advise. "Peace," or "shalom," is a rich term in Hebrew that signifies completeness, welfare, and harmony. Those who promote peace are actively engaged in fostering reconciliation, understanding, and unity among people. They are peacemakers, reflecting the heart of God, who desires peace and goodwill among His creation.

have joy
The Hebrew word for "joy" is "simchah," which denotes gladness, delight, and a sense of well-being. Joy is a fruit of the Spirit and a hallmark of those who live in alignment with God's purposes. It is not merely an emotional response but a deep-seated contentment and satisfaction that comes from living a life that honors God and seeks the welfare of others. Those who promote peace experience joy as a natural consequence of their actions, as they align themselves with God's desire for harmony and righteousness in the world.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers
(20) Deceit is in the heart . . .--Those who plot and devise evil against others begin by deceiving them, and end by deceiving themselves also; whereas the "counsellors of peace," who seek the good of their neighbours, bring joy to them and to themselves also through the satisfaction derived from a good conscience.

Pulpit Commentary
Verse 20. - Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil; i.e. that give evil advice; such are treacherous counsellors, and their advice can only work mischief, not joy and comfort (see on Proverbs 3:29). But to the counsellors of peace (health and prosperity) is joy. They who give wholesome advice diffuse joy around. Vulgate, "Joy attends them;" Septuagint, "They shall be glad;" but the original signifies rather to cause joy than to feel it.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Deceit
מִ֭רְמָה (mir·māh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4820: Deceit, treachery

is in the hearts
בְּלֶב־ (bə·leḇ-)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3820: The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre

of those who devise
חֹ֣רְשֵׁי (ḥō·rə·šê)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct
Strong's 2790: To cut in, engrave, plow, devise

evil,
רָ֑ע (rā‘)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 7451: Bad, evil

but the counselors
וּֽלְיֹעֲצֵ֖י (ū·lə·yō·‘ă·ṣê)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct
Strong's 3289: To advise, to deliberate, resolve

of peace
שָׁל֣וֹם (šā·lō·wm)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7965: Safe, well, happy, friendly, welfare, health, prosperity, peace

have joy.
שִׂמְחָֽה׃ (śim·ḥāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8057: Blithesomeness, glee


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OT Poetry: Proverbs 12:20 Deceit is in the heart of those (Prov. Pro Pr)
Proverbs 12:19
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