Proverbs 14:22
New International Version
Do not those who plot evil go astray? But those who plan what is good find love and faithfulness.

New Living Translation
If you plan to do evil, you will be lost; if you plan to do good, you will receive unfailing love and faithfulness.

English Standard Version
Do they not go astray who devise evil? Those who devise good meet steadfast love and faithfulness.

Berean Standard Bible
Do not those who contrive evil go astray? But those who plan goodness find loving devotion and faithfulness.

King James Bible
Do they not err that devise evil? but mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good.

New King James Version
Do they not go astray who devise evil? But mercy and truth belong to those who devise good.

New American Standard Bible
Will they who devise evil not go astray? But kindness and truth will be to those who devise good.

NASB 1995
Will they not go astray who devise evil? But kindness and truth will be to those who devise good.

NASB 1977
Will they not go astray who devise evil? But kindness and truth will be to those who devise good.

Legacy Standard Bible
Will they not wander in error who devise evil? But lovingkindness and truth will be to those who devise good.

Amplified Bible
Do they not go astray who devise evil and wander from the way of righteousness? But kindness and truth will be to those who devise good.

Christian Standard Bible
Don’t those who plan evil go astray? But those who plan good find loyalty and faithfulness.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Don’t those who plan evil go astray? But those who plan good find loyalty and faithfulness.

American Standard Version
Do they not err that devise evil? But mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good.

Contemporary English Version
It's a mistake to make evil plans, but you will have loyal friends if you want to do right.

English Revised Version
Do they not err that devise evil? but mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Don't those who stray plan what is evil, while those who are merciful and faithful plan what is good?

Good News Translation
You will earn the trust and respect of others if you work for good; if you work for evil, you are making a mistake.

International Standard Version
Won't those who plot evil go astray? But gracious love and truth are for those who plan what is good.

Majority Standard Bible
Do not those who contrive evil go astray? But those who plan goodness find loving devotion and faithfulness.

NET Bible
Do not those who devise evil go astray? But those who plan good exhibit faithful covenant love.

New Heart English Bible
Do they not go astray who plot evil? But love and faithfulness belong to those who plan good.

Webster's Bible Translation
Do they not err that devise evil? but mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good.

World English Bible
Don’t they go astray who plot evil? But love and faithfulness belong to those who plan good.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Do they who are devising evil not err? And kindness and truth [are] to those devising good,

Young's Literal Translation
Do not they err who are devising evil? And kindness and truth are to those devising good,

Smith's Literal Translation
Shall they not go astray, seeking evil? and mercy, and truth to those seeking good.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
They err that work evil: but mercy and truth prepare good things.

Catholic Public Domain Version
They wander astray who work evil. But mercy and truth prepare good things.

New American Bible
Do not those who plan evil go astray? But those who plan good win steadfast loyalty.

New Revised Standard Version
Do they not err that plan evil? Those who plan good find loyalty and faithfulness.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
The wicked err when they devise evil; but compassionate and righteous men do all kinds of good. The workers of iniquity do not understand truth and mercy; kindness and truth are with the workers of good things.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
The evil go astray doing evil, and the compassionate and righteous ones do all good things; evildoers do not understand mercy and faith, but compassion and faith are with doers of good.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Shall they not go astray that devise evil? But mercy and truth shall be for them that devise good.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
They that go astray devise evils: but the good devise mercy and truth. The framers of evil do not understand mercy and truth: but compassion and faithfulness are with the framers of good.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Wise Woman
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.…

Cross References
Galatians 6:7-8
Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return. / The one who sows to please his flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; but the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.

Romans 2:6-8
God “will repay each one according to his deeds.” / To those who by perseverance in doing good seek glory, honor, and immortality, He will give eternal life. / But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow wickedness, there will be wrath and anger.

James 3:16-18
For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice. / But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere. / Peacemakers who sow in peace reap the fruit of righteousness.

Matthew 7:17-20
Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. / A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. / Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. ...

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.

Psalm 37:27-29
Turn away from evil and do good, so that you will abide forever. / For the LORD loves justice and will not forsake His saints. They are preserved forever, but the offspring of the wicked will be cut off. / The righteous will inherit the land and dwell in it forever.

1 Peter 3:10-12
For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. / He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it. / For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are inclined to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

Ephesians 4:28
He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing good with his own hands, that he may have something to share with the one in need.

Jeremiah 17:9-10
The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? / I, the LORD, search the heart; I examine the mind to reward a man according to his way, by what his deeds deserve.

1 John 3:7-10
Little children, let no one deceive you: The one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as Christ is righteous. / The one who practices sin is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the very start. This is why the Son of God was revealed, to destroy the works of the devil. / Anyone born of God refuses to practice sin, because God’s seed abides in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God. ...

Micah 2:1-3
Woe to those who devise iniquity and plot evil on their beds! At morning’s light they accomplish it because the power is in their hands. / They covet fields and seize them; they take away houses. They deprive a man of his home, a fellow man of his inheritance. / Therefore this is what the LORD says: “I am planning against this nation a disaster from which you cannot free your necks. Then you will not walk so proudly, for it will be a time of calamity.

2 Corinthians 9:6
Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.

Psalm 125:4-5
Do good, O LORD, to those who are good, and to the upright in heart. / But those who turn to crooked ways the LORD will banish with the evildoers. Peace be upon Israel.

Luke 6:43-45
No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. / For each tree is known by its own fruit. Indeed, figs are not gathered from thornbushes, nor grapes from brambles. / The good man brings good things out of the good treasure of his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil treasure of his heart. For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.

Hosea 10:12-13
Sow for yourselves righteousness and reap the fruit of loving devotion; break up your unplowed ground. For it is time to seek the LORD until He comes and sends righteousness upon you like rain. / You have plowed wickedness and reaped injustice; you have eaten the fruit of lies. Because you have trusted in your own way and in the multitude of your mighty men,


Treasury of Scripture

Do they not err that devise evil? but mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good.

err

Proverbs 22:17
Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge.

Proverbs 12:2
A good man obtaineth favour of the LORD: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn.

Isaiah 32:7,8
The instruments also of the churl are evil: he deviseth wicked devices to destroy the poor with lying words, even when the needy speaketh right…

but

Genesis 24:27
And 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.

Psalm 25:10
All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.

Psalm 61:7
He shall abide before God for ever: O prepare mercy and truth, which may preserve him.

devise

Proverbs 19:22
The desire of a man is his kindness: and a poor man is better than a liar.

2 Chronicles 6:8
But 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:

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Proverbs 14
1. A wise woman builds her house














Do not those who devise evil
The Hebrew word for "devise" is "חָרַשׁ" (charash), which means to plot or scheme. This word often carries a connotation of intentionality and craftiness. In the context of ancient Israel, devising evil was not just a personal moral failing but a direct affront to the covenantal community that God had established. The phrase suggests a deliberate choice to pursue wickedness, which is contrary to the wisdom and righteousness that Proverbs advocates. Historically, those who plotted evil were often seen as disruptors of societal harmony and divine order.

go astray?
The Hebrew root for "go astray" is "תָּעָה" (ta'ah), which means to wander or err. This term is frequently used in the Old Testament to describe a departure from God's path or commandments. The imagery here is of someone who loses their way, both morally and spiritually. In a conservative Christian perspective, this wandering is not just a physical or mental error but a spiritual deviation from God's truth and righteousness. The implication is that devising evil leads one away from God's intended path, resulting in spiritual and often physical consequences.

But those who plan goodness
The word "plan" in Hebrew is "חָשַׁב" (chashab), which means to think, account, or plan. This term implies a thoughtful and intentional approach to life, contrasting sharply with the scheming of evil. "Goodness" is translated from "טוֹב" (tov), which encompasses moral goodness, welfare, and prosperity. In the biblical context, planning goodness aligns with God's character and purposes. It reflects a heart that seeks to honor God and bless others, embodying the wisdom that Proverbs extols.

find loving devotion and faithfulness
"Loving devotion" is derived from the Hebrew word "חֶסֶד" (chesed), a rich term that signifies steadfast love, mercy, and kindness. It is a covenantal term often used to describe God's unwavering love for His people. "Faithfulness" comes from "אֱמוּנָה" (emunah), meaning firmness, fidelity, or steadfastness. Together, these words paint a picture of the rewards for those who pursue goodness: they experience God's loyal love and reliability. In a conservative Christian view, this reflects the principle of sowing and reaping; those who align their lives with God's will and character receive His blessings and favor.

(22) Do they not err that devise evil?--Comp. Wisdom Of Solomon 5:6-7.

Mercy and truth.--God will be merciful, and also fulfil His promises of protection and reward to them (Wisdom Of Solomon 3:9).

Verse 22. - Do they not err that devise evil? or, Will they not go astray? The question is an emphatic mode of asserting the truth. They who meditate and practise evil (Proverbs 3:29; Proverbs 6:14) go astray from the right way - the way of life; their views are distorted, and they no longer see their proper course. Thus the remorseful voluptuary bemoans himself, "We have erred from the way of truth, and the light of righteousness hath not shined unto us We wearied ourselves in the way of wickedness and destruction; yea, we have gone through deserts, where there lay no way; but as for the way of the Lord, we have not known it" (Wisd. 5:6, etc.), Mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good. God's blessing will rest upon them. The combination of "mercy and truth" is found in Psalm 61:7; in Wisd. 3:9 and 4:15, and in 1 Timothy 1:2 we have "grace and mercy" (see note on Proverbs 3:3, where the two words occur in connection; and comp. Proverbs 16:6; Proverbs 20:28). The two graces in the text signify the love and mercy which God bestows on the righteous, and the truth and fidelity with which he keeps the promises which he has made. The Vulgate makes the two graces human, not Divine: "Mercy and truth procure blessings." The Septuagint renders, "The good devise mercy and truth." It adds a paraphrase not found in the Hebrew, "The devisers of evil know not mercy and faith; but alms and faith are with the devisers of good."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Do not
הֲ‍ֽלוֹא־ (hălō·w-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

those who contrive
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

go astray?
יִ֭תְעוּ (yiṯ·‘ū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 8582: To vacillate, reel, stray

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

goodness find
טֽוֹב׃ (ṭō·wḇ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2896: Pleasant, agreeable, good

loving devotion
וְחֶ֥סֶד (wə·ḥe·seḏ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2617: Kindness, piety, reproof, beauty

and truth.
וֶ֝אֱמֶ֗ת (we·’ĕ·meṯ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 571: Stability, certainty, truth, trustworthiness


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OT Poetry: Proverbs 14:22 Don't they go astray who plot evil? (Prov. Pro Pr)
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