Plotting evil is a concept addressed throughout the Bible, often associated with the wickedness of human hearts and the moral corruption that leads individuals away from God's righteous path. The Bible consistently condemns the act of devising evil plans, highlighting the spiritual and societal consequences of such behavior.

Old Testament References

The Old Testament frequently addresses the issue of plotting evil, particularly in the wisdom literature and prophetic books. In Proverbs, the wisdom of Solomon warns against the dangers of harboring malicious intentions. Proverbs 6:16-19 lists seven things the Lord detests, including "a heart that devises wicked schemes" . This passage underscores the severity with which God views the act of plotting evil, placing it alongside other grievous sins.

The prophet Micah also speaks against those who plot evil, emphasizing the social injustice that results from such actions. Micah 2:1 states, "Woe to those who devise iniquity and plot evil on their beds! When morning dawns, they carry it out because it is in their power to do so" . This verse highlights the premeditated nature of evil schemes and the abuse of power that often accompanies them.

New Testament Insights

In the New Testament, Jesus addresses the issue of evil thoughts and intentions, teaching that they originate from the heart. In Mark 7:21-23, Jesus explains, "For from within the hearts of men come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, debauchery, envy, slander, arrogance, and foolishness. All these evils come from within, and these are what defile a man" . This passage emphasizes the internal nature of evil plotting and its defiling effect on a person's spiritual state.

The apostle Paul also warns against plotting evil in his epistles. In Romans 1:29-30, he describes those who have turned away from God, stating, "They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed, and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, and malice. They are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant, and boastful; they invent new forms of evil; they disobey their parents" . Paul’s words serve as a reminder of the destructive nature of evil intentions and the broader moral decay they signify.

Moral and Spiritual Implications

Plotting evil is not merely a social or ethical issue but a spiritual one. The Bible teaches that such actions are a reflection of a heart that is not aligned with God's will. In Jeremiah 17:9, the prophet declares, "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?" . This verse points to the inherent sinfulness of humanity and the need for divine intervention to transform the heart.

The Scriptures call believers to reject evil and pursue righteousness. In Romans 12:21, Paul exhorts, "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good" . This directive encourages Christians to actively resist the temptation to plot evil and instead seek to embody the goodness and love of Christ in their interactions with others.

Consequences of Plotting Evil

The Bible warns of the consequences that befall those who engage in plotting evil. Proverbs 26:27 cautions, "He who digs a pit will fall into it, and he who rolls a stone will have it roll back on him" . This proverbial wisdom suggests that those who devise evil schemes will ultimately face the repercussions of their actions, often experiencing the very harm they intended for others.

In the broader biblical narrative, the ultimate consequence of unrepentant evil is separation from God. Revelation 21:8 warns, "But to the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and sexually immoral and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their place will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur. This is the second death" . This eschatological perspective underscores the eternal significance of one's moral choices and the imperative to turn away from evil.

Conclusion

While the Bible acknowledges the reality of evil plotting in the human heart, it also offers hope for redemption and transformation through faith in Jesus Christ. Believers are called to reject evil, embrace righteousness, and seek the renewal of their hearts and minds in accordance with God's will.