Proverbs 12:20

20 Guile is in the heart of them that think evils; but joy followeth them that make counsels of peace.

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 ) .

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FOOTNOTES:

F7 (yvrx) .

Proverbs 12:20 In-Context

18 A man is that promiseth, and he is pricked as with the sword of conscience; but the tongue of wise men is health. (There is a person who speaketh, and his words cut like a sword; but the tongues of the wise give health.)

19 The lip of truth shall be steadfast [into] without end; but he that is a sudden witness, maketh ready the tongue of leasing (but he who speaketh a ready answer, often haveth a lying tongue).

20 Guile is in the heart of them that think evils; but joy followeth them that make counsels of peace.

21 Whatever befalleth to a just man, it shall not make him sorry; but wicked men shall be filled with evil. (Whatever befalleth to the righteous, shall not bring them sorrow, or grief; but the wicked shall be filled with evil.)

22 False lips is abomination to the Lord; but they that do faithfully, please him.