What is the meaning of Proverbs 24:2? for their hearts devise violence “for their hearts devise violence” pulls back the curtain on what drives the wicked. The issue is not merely bad behavior; it is a heart that plots harm. • Scripture consistently locates sin’s birthplace in the heart. Genesis 6:5 says, “every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was altogether evil all the time,” and Matthew 15:19 echoes, “For out of the heart come evil thoughts….” • Violence is intentional, not accidental. Proverbs 6:18 lists “a heart that devises wicked schemes” alongside “feet that run swiftly to evil.” The same deliberate planning is in view here. • The warning in Proverbs 4:23, “Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life,” stands in stark contrast. A guarded heart is the antidote to a heart scheming violence. • Romans 3:15–16 observes of the ungodly, “Their feet are swift to shed blood; ruin and misery lie in their wake.” The bent toward violence begins long before any outward act. • Practically, the verse reminds us that friendship or admiration of such people (24:1) is dangerous because their plans are shaped by an inner appetite for harm. and their lips declare trouble The second half exposes the overflow: “and their lips declare trouble”. What is brewing inside inevitably spills out. • Psalm 10:7 describes the wicked: “His mouth is full of cursing, deceit, and violence.” The pattern matches our proverb—violent intent expressed in speech. • Proverbs 15:28 contrasts this with the righteous: “The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.” Words reveal character. • James 3:6 calls the tongue “a world of iniquity,” capable of setting “the whole course of one’s life on fire.” When lips “declare trouble,” they ignite conflict around them. • “Trouble” includes threats, slander, false accusations, and stirring up strife (Proverbs 16:28; 26:20-21). Such speech wounds relationships and communities. • Luke 6:45 sums it up: “Out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.” A heart plotting violence will naturally voice it—whether through bragging, intimidation, or manipulation. summary Proverbs 24:2 exposes the progression of evil: an unguarded heart cultivates violent schemes, and lips become the loudspeaker for those schemes. Recognizing this chain protects us from envying or joining the wicked (24:1) and urges us instead to keep hearts renewed by God’s Word and mouths committed to speaking peace and truth. |
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