Proverbs 12:20 kjv

Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace is joy.

Proverbs 12:20 nkjv

Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, But counselors of peace have joy.

Proverbs 12:20 niv

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

Proverbs 12:20 esv

Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, but those who plan peace have joy.

Proverbs 12:20 nlt

Deceit fills hearts that are plotting evil;
joy fills hearts that are planning peace!

Proverbs 12 verses

Proverbs 12 20 Meaning

This proverb presents a vivid contrast between two types of people and their intrinsic characteristics and outcomes. It reveals that deceit and malicious intent originate from a heart that plots evil schemes. Their nature is marked by treachery. In stark opposition, those who are counsellors of peace – individuals who actively devise and promote reconciliation, wholeness, and well-being – will experience joy. This underscores the truth that true satisfaction and gladness are the divine rewards for those who foster peace, contrasting sharply with the corrupt inner state and negative consequences for the wicked.

Proverbs 12 20 Context

Proverbs chapter 12 frequently contrasts the righteous with the wicked, detailing their character, speech, actions, and eventual outcomes. This specific verse, Proverbs 12:20, continues this recurring theme by contrasting those who internalize and act upon evil intentions with those who dedicate themselves to promoting peace. It speaks to the heart, which in biblical understanding is the core of one's being – encompassing intellect, will, and emotion, not just feelings. The verse operates within the larger wisdom tradition of Proverbs, which instructs on how to live skillfully and righteously in God's world, emphasizing that one's inner disposition fundamentally shapes one's outer life and destiny. Historically and culturally, such proverbs would have served as practical ethical instruction within the ancient Israelite community, guiding individuals toward a life of integrity that honored God and benefited society, as opposed to the destructive path of wickedness prevalent in surrounding cultures.

Proverbs 12 20 Word analysis

• Deceit (מִרְמָה, mirmāh): This term signifies fraud, treachery, guile, or malicious intent that leads to misleading actions. It's not merely being untruthful, but actively scheming to betray or harm. Its root suggests "to lift up" or "to throw," which implies casting or throwing off one's true intentions to hide them under a facade.
• is in the heart (בְּלֵב, bə-lēv): The "heart" in Hebrew anthropology refers to the innermost being, the seat of intellect, will, and moral decision-making, far beyond just emotion. It indicates that deceit is not just an external act but deeply ingrained in the person's character and foundational thinking.
• of them that imagine evil (חֹשְׁבֵי רָע, chōshbê rāʻ):
  • chōshbê from chashav (חָשַׁב): To think, devise, calculate, scheme, plan, invent. It denotes intentional, deliberate thought aimed at formulating a strategy.
  • rāʻ (רָע): Evil, wicked, bad, malicious, grievous. This word covers a broad spectrum of moral corruption.Together, "them that imagine evil" means "schemers of evil," individuals whose minds are actively engaged in contriving malevolent plots, mischief, or harm against others.
• but to the counsellors of peace (וּלְיֹעֲצֵי שָׁלוֹם, u-lĕ-yōʻătsê shālōm):
  • yōʻătsê from yaʻats (יָעַץ): To advise, counsel, consult, plan. These are active agents who guide or plan.
  • shālōm (שָׁלוֹם): This is a comprehensive Hebrew term far beyond just "absence of conflict." It means completeness, soundness, well-being, prosperity, harmony, safety, health, and wholeness. "Counsellors of peace" are those who strategically work towards holistic well-being, reconciliation, and restoration in relationships and community.
• is joy (שִׂמְחָה, śimḥāh): Joy, gladness, mirth, delight. It signifies a profound state of inner contentment and elation that is the natural, God-given outcome or reward for pursuing and bringing about shalom.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil": This phrase establishes a direct connection between evil thoughts and intentions (imaginings) and the characteristic outcome of those intentions, which is deceit. It indicates that deceit is not an isolated act, but flows from a corrupted internal disposition where malevolence is actively conceived. The "heart" emphasizes the fundamental nature of this connection; it's where the evil originates and is nurtured.
• "but to the counsellors of peace is joy": This clause serves as an antithetical parallel, presenting a complete opposite. Instead of deceit, there is "joy." Instead of scheming evil, there is "counseling peace." It shows a direct causal link: those whose actions and advice bring about shalom naturally experience simḥah. This highlights a foundational biblical principle where righteous living leads to inner satisfaction and divine blessing, contrasting sharply with the internal emptiness and moral decay inherent in evil.

Proverbs 12 20 Bonus section

The structure of Proverbs 12:20 is a classic example of antithetical parallelism, a common poetic device in Hebrew wisdom literature. It places two contrasting ideas or statements side-by-side to highlight a moral truth. Here, the first line describes the characteristic and consequence for the wicked (evil plotting leading to deceit), while the second line describes the characteristic and consequence for the righteous (counseling peace leading to joy). This structure makes the ethical distinction clear and memorable, emphasizing divine justice in operation.

Furthermore, this proverb touches upon the concept of inner-outer congruence. It argues that one's external actions and their subsequent outcomes are directly tied to the internal condition of their "heart." Deceit cannot be separated from evil imagination, and joy is inseparable from genuine peacemaking. This is a fundamental principle woven throughout Scripture, highlighting that God sees the intentions of the heart, not merely outward displays (1 Sam 16:7). It suggests that to change one's behavior, one must first address the heart's inclinations. The true and lasting joy that comes from being a peacemaker reflects the very nature of God, who is the ultimate Peacemaker, and this brings delight to His children who emulate Him.

Proverbs 12 20 Commentary

Proverbs 12:20 offers a profound insight into moral causality, linking inner character to external results. The proverb highlights that those whose "heart" – their deepest thoughts, wills, and desires – is given over to "imagining evil" are inherently steeped in "deceit." Their malevolent scheming naturally manifests in treachery, fraud, and misdirection. This connection implies that evil is not just about isolated acts but a deep-seated intention and identity. Their plans are tainted by deceit from their very inception, destined to cause harm.

In stark contrast, the "counsellors of peace" are those who actively apply wisdom to foster shalom – comprehensive well-being, reconciliation, and wholeness. Their intentions are pure, and their actions constructive. For them, the outcome is "joy." This joy is not a fleeting emotion but a profound inner gladness, a fruit of living righteously and being an agent of divine goodness in the world. It’s the inherent reward for aligning oneself with God's heart for peace and flourishing. The verse implicitly warns against internalizing malice, as it inevitably breeds deceit and sorrow, while simultaneously commending and encouraging the cultivation of a heart dedicated to peace, promising the abundant joy that accompanies it.

Examples for practical usage:

• When faced with conflict, one should evaluate if their initial thoughts are about seeking revenge or finding reconciliation. The former leads to more strife and inner turmoil, the latter to joy and resolution.
• In business or personal dealings, prioritizing transparency and honesty (counsel of peace) leads to trustworthy relationships and lasting satisfaction, unlike deceitful tactics which often yield fleeting gains but bring long-term distrust and anxiety.
• Reflect on where one's plans originate: are they designed to manipulate and benefit oneself at others' expense, or to foster mutual respect and prosperity? The verse teaches that our inner orientation determines our external reality and subsequent inner state.