What is the meaning of Proverbs 6:18? a heart that devises wicked schemes “a heart that devises wicked schemes” (Proverbs 6:18) • The Lord begins with the inner person—our heart—because, as Proverbs 4:23 reminds us, “Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life.” • Genesis 6:5 shows how deeply sin can infect the heart: “Every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was altogether evil all the time.” That same bent toward plotting sin still lurks when the heart is not surrendered to God. • Jeremiah 17:9 exposes the danger: “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure.” When we allow that deceived heart to scheme, we mirror the description in Psalm 36:4—“Even on his bed he plots wickedness.” • Jesus draws the line straight from heart to action: “Out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander” (Matthew 15:19). • The antidote is a renewed heart (Ezekiel 36:26) and a mind fixed on the things of the Spirit (Romans 8:5–6). By storing up God’s word within (Psalm 119:11) and yielding daily to the Spirit’s rule (Galatians 5:16), the believer turns clever creativity away from sin and toward deeds that honor Christ. feet that run swiftly to evil “feet that run swiftly to evil” (Proverbs 6:18) • Isaiah 59:7 echoes this warning: “Their feet run after evil, and they rush to shed innocent blood.” Hasty movement toward sin reveals eagerness, not reluctance. • Proverbs 1:16 portrays the same haste among sinners who “run to evil; they hurry to shed blood.” In contrast, the believer is called to “flee from youthful passions” (2 Timothy 2:22) and “run with endurance the race set before us” (Hebrews 12:1). • Romans 3:15–18 lists swift feet among the marks of those who have disregarded God. Speed amplifies danger: the farther we run, the harder it is to turn back. • Wisdom teaches watchfulness: “Make level paths for your feet” (Proverbs 4:26). Rather than pursuing evil at a sprint, we “walk by the Spirit” (Galatians 5:25), “walk in the light” (1 John 1:7), and “walk in love” (Ephesians 5:2). • Choosing slow, deliberate obedience over impulsive wrongdoing keeps us aligned with Psalm 119:101: “I have kept my feet from every evil path, that I may observe Your word.” summary Proverbs 6:18 highlights two related dangers: a heart that plots sin and feet eager to carry those plots out. God’s Word exposes both the internal scheming and the external haste so we can repent and pursue holiness. A guarded, Spirit-renewed heart redirects our creativity toward righteousness, while disciplined, Spirit-led steps keep us from racing into harm. Together, transformed hearts and careful feet honor the Lord who detests these sins and delights in those who walk in His ways. |
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