Proverbs 12:20

20 Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil, but those who promote peace have joy.

Proverbs 12:20 in Other Translations

KJV
20 Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace is joy.
ESV
20 Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, but those who plan peace have joy.
NLT
20 Deceit fills hearts that are plotting evil; joy fills hearts that are planning peace!
MSG
20 Evil scheming distorts the schemer; peace-planning brings joy to the planner.
CSB
20 Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil, but those who promote peace have joy.

Proverbs 12:20 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 12:20

Deceit [is] in the heart of them that imagine evil
That secretly devise mischief in their hearts against their neighbours; that plough evil, as the word F7 signifies, and sow discord among men; and by many artful and deceitful methods promote contention and division, in order to answer some base designs of theirs; but sooner or later they are deceived themselves, are disappointed of their views, the consequence of which is vexation and sorrow; but to the counsellors of peace [is] joy:
such who consult the good of others, who advise to peace, concord, and unity; who seek to cultivate it in their families and neighbourhoods, and in the church of God, in which, if they succeed, they have joy and pleasure; if not, they have a satisfaction, in their own minds and consciences that they have done what is right and good; such have a conscience peace now, and an eternal one hereafter; or, as Aben Ezra calls it, the joy of salvation; see ( Matthew 5:9 ) .


FOOTNOTES:

F7 (yvrx) .

Proverbs 12:20 In-Context

18 The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
19 Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.
20 Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil, but those who promote peace have joy.
21 No harm overtakes the righteous, but the wicked have their fill of trouble.
22 The LORD detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.

Cross References 1

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