What other scriptures warn against devising evil plans in one's heart? Setting the Scene in Ezekiel 38:10 “Thus says the Lord GOD: On that day, thoughts will arise in your mind, and you will devise an evil plan.” Ezekiel speaks of Gog’s future rebellion, but the principle is timeless: evil schemes begin long before any outward action, taking shape first in the hidden places of the heart. The Same Warning Woven Through Scripture From Genesis to Revelation, God exposes and condemns secret plotting. His Word keeps drawing the curtain back on the inner life, reminding every reader that nothing is truly hidden from Him. Wisdom Literature: Crystal-Clear Alerts “There are six things that the LORD hates, seven are detestable to Him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that run swiftly to evil.” “Deceit is in the hearts of those who devise evil, but the counselors of peace have joy.” “Do not those who devise evil go astray? But those who plan goodness find loving devotion and truth.” “Their hearts devise violence, and their lips speak trouble.” “He who plots evil will be called a schemer.” “Even on his bed he plots evil; he sets himself on a path that is not good; he does not reject evil.” “They devise evil in their hearts and stir up war all day long.” Prophets: Exposing Hidden Plots “Woe to those who devise iniquity and plot evil on their beds. At morning light they carry it out because it is in their power.” “The scoundrel’s methods are wicked; he makes up evil schemes to destroy the poor with lies, even when the plea of the needy is just.” “Do not plot evil in your hearts against your neighbor, and do not love perjury, because I hate all these things,” declares the LORD. “But they will say, ‘It is hopeless. We will follow our own plans, and each of us will act according to the stubbornness of his evil heart.’” New Testament Echoes “For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander.” “For from within the hearts of men come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, debauchery, envy, slander, arrogance, and foolishness.” The Lord Jesus pinpoints the same root issue identified by Ezekiel: evil actions rise from an unchecked inner life. Living Out a Heart of Integrity The Holy Spirit now indwells believers, granting power to surrender secret thoughts to Christ. Treasuring these warnings protects relationships, guards testimony, and keeps worship sincere. God’s call is consistent and clear: refuse every seed of wicked plotting, invite His truth to rule the heart, and walk in the liberty of a clean conscience. |
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