In biblical terminology, the term "deviser" refers to someone who plans, schemes, or invents, often with a connotation of craftiness or cunning. The concept of devising is frequently associated with both positive and negative connotations in Scripture, depending on the context and the intent behind the actions.

Old Testament References

The Hebrew word often translated as "deviser" or "to devise" is חָשַׁב (chashab), which can mean to think, plan, or calculate. This term appears in various contexts throughout the Old Testament. For instance, in the construction of the Tabernacle, Bezalel is described as a skilled craftsman who devises artistic designs (Exodus 31:4). Here, the term is used positively, highlighting the God-given wisdom and skill in creating sacred objects.

Conversely, the term is also used to describe the wicked who devise evil plans. Proverbs 6:18 lists "a heart that devises wicked schemes" among the things the Lord hates. Similarly, in Psalm 36:4, the wicked are described as those who "devise evil on their beds" , indicating a premeditated intent to do harm.

New Testament Context

While the specific term "deviser" is not commonly used in the New Testament, the concept of devising plans, particularly those that are deceitful or harmful, is present. The Greek equivalent, often related to thoughts or intentions, can be seen in passages that discuss the intentions of the heart. For example, in Mark 7:21-22, Jesus speaks of the evil thoughts that come from within a person, including deceit and malice, which can be understood as devising evil.

Moral and Theological Implications

From a moral and theological perspective, the act of devising is closely linked to the condition of the heart. Scripture emphasizes that God examines the heart and knows the intentions behind human actions. Jeremiah 17:10 states, "I, the LORD, search the heart; I test the mind to reward a man according to his way, by what his deeds deserve" . This underscores the biblical teaching that while humans may devise plans, it is ultimately God who judges the righteousness or wickedness of those plans.

The Bible also encourages believers to devise good and righteous plans. Proverbs 12:5 states, "The plans of the righteous are just, but the counsel of the wicked leads to deceit" . This highlights the importance of aligning one's plans with God's will and seeking wisdom and guidance from Him.

Practical Application

In practical terms, believers are called to be mindful of their intentions and to seek God's guidance in their planning. James 4:13-15 warns against boasting about future plans without considering God's will, reminding believers to say, "If the Lord is willing, we will live and do this or that" . This reflects a heart that is submitted to God's sovereignty and acknowledges His ultimate authority over human affairs.

In summary, the concept of a deviser in the Bible encompasses both the creative and the cunning aspects of human planning. It serves as a reminder of the importance of aligning one's intentions with God's righteousness and seeking His wisdom in all endeavors.(n.) One who devises.

Augustin not the Deviser of Original Sin.
... Book II. Chapter 25 [XII.]"Augustin Not the Deviser of Original Sin. "This
sexual connection of bodies," he says, "together with ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 25 xii augustin not the.htm

While Diocletian, that Author of Ill, and Deviser of Misery...
... Chap. VII. While Diocletian, that author of ill, and deviser of misery?
While Diocletian, that author of ill, and deviser of misery ...
/.../of the manner in which the persecutors died/chap vii while diocletian that.htm

Whether the Body of Christ be in this Sacrament in Very Truth, or ...
... Hence Berengarius, who had been the first deviser of this heresy, was afterwards
forced to withdraw his error, and to acknowledge the truth of the faith. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether the body of christ.htm

A Greater than Solomon
... Then, indeed, art thou wiser than Solomon. Thou art the deviser of salvation, the
architect of the church, the author and finisher of our faith. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 27 1881/a greater than solomon.htm

Letter cxxxiii. To Ctesiphon.
... Magus founded his sect. [3814] Bands of women accompanied Nicolas of Antioch
that deviser of all uncleanness. [3815] Marcion sent a ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cxxxiii to ctesiphon.htm

The Certainty of Sacred Theology
... communicated. Wisdom wishes to be acknowledged as the deviser of the
wonderful attempering and qualifying of justice and mercy. ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/oration iii the certainty of.htm

Of the Manner in Which the Persecutors Died
... VI. Aurelian might have recollected the fate of the captived emperor? Chap. VII.
While Diocletian, that author of ill, and deviser of misery? Chap. VIII. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/lactantius/of the manner in which the persecutors died/

The Call of Abraham
... running some this way, and some the other, and some crossways, and they seem to
be playing all sorts of anticks, but somehow or other the deviser brings them ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the call of abraham.htm

Anti-Pelagian Writings
Anti-Pelagian Writings. <. Anti-Pelagian Writings St. Augustine.
Schaff, Philip (Editor) Table of Contents. Title Page. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/anti-pelagian writings/

Homilies on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians.
Homilies on Gal, Eph, Phi, Col, Thess, Tim, Titus, and Philemon. <. ...
/.../homilies on philippians colossians and.htm

Deviser (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Deviser (1 Occurrence). Nahum 1:11 From thee hath come
forth a deviser of evil Against Jehovah -- a worthless counsellor. (YLT). ...
/d/deviser.htm - 6k

Devised (35 Occurrences)

/d/devised.htm - 17k

Villainy (4 Occurrences)
... evil design. (See RSV). Nahum 1:11 From thee hath come forth a deviser of
evil Against Jehovah -- a worthless counsellor. (See RSV). ...
/v/villainy.htm - 7k

Devisers (1 Occurrence)

/d/devisers.htm - 6k

Counseled (12 Occurrences)
... Jehovah.' (See NAS NIV). Nahum 1:11 From thee hath come forth a deviser of
evil Against Jehovah -- a worthless counsellor. (See RSV). ...
/c/counseled.htm - 10k

Artificer (13 Occurrences)
... as a silversmith. 2. (n.) One who makes or contrives; a deviser, inventor,
or framer. 3. (n.) A cunning or artful fellow. 4. (n.) A ...
/a/artificer.htm - 11k

Worthless (103 Occurrences)
... only hope. (See NIV). Nahum 1:11 From thee hath come forth a deviser of evil
Against Jehovah -- a worthless counsellor. (YLT). Nahum ...
/w/worthless.htm - 35k

Deviser: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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