Proverbs 24:2 kjv

For their heart studieth destruction, and their lips talk of mischief.

Proverbs 24:2 nkjv

For their heart devises violence, And their lips talk of troublemaking.

Proverbs 24:2 niv

for their hearts plot violence, and their lips talk about making trouble.

Proverbs 24:2 esv

for their hearts devise violence, and their lips talk of trouble.

Proverbs 24:2 nlt

For their hearts plot violence,
and their words always stir up trouble.

Proverbs 24 verses

Proverbs 24 2 Meaning

Proverbs 24:2 reveals the inherent depravity of wicked individuals, explaining why they should not be envied or associated with. Their inner being, the "heart," is entirely given over to devising plans for violence and ruin. This internal corruption then manifests outwardly through their "lips," which continually utter and advocate for malicious deeds and destructive actions. The verse thus exposes a fundamental connection between the evil intentions of the heart and the harmful expressions of the mouth.

Proverbs 24 2 Context

Proverbs chapter 24 is part of a section often titled "Further Sayings of the Wise" (Proverbs 22:17-24:34), distinguishing it from the Solomon collections. Verse 24:1-2 serves as a strong warning against envying or seeking association with wicked or evil men. Verse 1 states, "Do not be envious of evil men, nor desire to be with them." Verse 2 directly provides the reason or justification for this command, elaborating on the inherently corrupt nature of such individuals. It highlights that their danger stems from their inward plotting and outward vocalization of harm. Historically and culturally, ancient Near Eastern societies, including Israel, valued wisdom and understanding, often contrasting the righteous (wise) with the wicked (foolish). This verse reinforces the wisdom tradition's emphasis on moral character, not just outward behavior, and cautions against the company that could lead to spiritual and physical ruin. It indirectly contrasts with any societal emphasis on worldly success or power, irrespective of moral uprightness.

Proverbs 24 2 Word analysis

• For (כִּֽי - ki): This Hebrew conjunction introduces a reason, cause, or explanation. Here, it explicitly links back to the preceding verse (24:1), providing the rationale for not envying or desiring to be with evil people: because of their dangerous character.
• their heart (לִבָּ֑ם - libbam): The Hebrew word lev (לֵב) refers to the entire inner person—intellect, will, emotions, and moral consciousness. It's not merely the physical organ but the center of thought and being. The suffix "-am" denotes "their." The heart, in biblical thought, is the root of a person's character and actions, underscoring that the wickedness described here is not superficial but deeply ingrained.
• plots / studieth (הָגֶ֣ה - hageh): This word, hagah (הָגָה), carries various meanings including "to moan, utter, meditate, plot, devise." In this context, it implies a deliberate and often continuous internal activity of conceiving or meditating on evil. It suggests a pre-meditation and determined intention rather than a spontaneous act. It's the opposite of meditating on God's law (Ps 1:2).
• violence / destruction (שֹׂד - shod): The noun shod (שׁוֹד) means "violence, ruin, desolation, destruction." It often implies aggressive, forceful, and destructive acts. Their meditation is not on mere mischief, but on severe, ruinous harm, both physical and moral.
• and their lips (וּשְׂפָתַ֥יִם - uśphatayim): "U-" means "and." Sefatayim (שְׂפָתַיִם) literally means "two lips," often used figuratively for the mouth and, by extension, speech. This emphasizes that what is in the heart inevitably spills out through verbal expression.
• talk of (תְּדַבֵּ֖ר - t'dabber): This is a form of the verb dabar (דָּבַר), meaning "to speak, utter, declare, talk." It indicates that their lips are not silent but actively communicate and promote the internal schemes. It is a revealing, an articulation of what they meditate upon.
• mischief (עָמָֽל - amal): The term amal (עָמָל) can refer to "toil, trouble, labor, sorrow," but frequently means "wickedness, mischief, perversity, wrongdoing" when associated with the deeds or intentions of people. Here, it signifies the harmful, burdensome, or painful consequences of their actions and words, encompassing the entire realm of malice and wickedness that springs from their plotting.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• For their heart plots violence: This phrase establishes the inward source of wickedness. The "heart" (inner being) is the core driver, actively "plotting" (meditating, devising) harm. "Violence" indicates the severe and destructive nature of their intentions. This highlights that evil begins in the mind and intentions.
• and their lips talk of mischief: This second phrase reveals the outward manifestation of the internal corruption. The evil "plots" of the heart do not remain hidden but are "talked of" (expressed) through their "lips." "Mischief" indicates the practical outworking or verbal promotion of their destructive intentions. There is a direct flow from inward thought to outward speech, indicating that the speech of the wicked is not random but reflects deep-seated malice. This pairing illustrates the complete alignment of their inner being and outer expression in pursuing wickedness.

Proverbs 24 2 Bonus section

This verse stands in stark contrast to the characteristics of the righteous. While the wicked's heart plots violence, the righteous meditate on God's law (Ps 1:2) and their lips speak wisdom and truth (Prov 10:32). The imagery of the heart plotting highlights the deliberateness and intentionality of evil, a core theme throughout Proverbs: evil is not a passive state but an active pursuit for the wicked. This truth also serves as a strong call to examine one's own heart, ensuring that our inner meditations align with God's will, for as Jesus teaches, "out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks" (Mt 12:34). Therefore, controlling one's speech begins with purifying one's thoughts and desires.

Proverbs 24 2 Commentary

Proverbs 24:2 offers a profound insight into the nature of wickedness: it begins in the inner being and inevitably surfaces in outward expression. The verse teaches that evil individuals are dangerous not merely for their actions but for their very character. Their "heart," the seat of their will, intellect, and emotion, is dedicated to conceiving "violence" and destruction. This plotting is not accidental but a deliberate, meditative activity. This inner corruption is then broadcast through their "lips," which speak of "mischief," malicious intent, and perverse schemes.

This verse serves as a crucial warning. If the heart of an evil person is fixed on destructive purposes and their speech aligns with such harmful goals, then any association with them would be perilous for a righteous individual. It reinforces the biblical principle that our external words and actions are often a direct outflow of our internal state. The truly wise recognize this internal-external link and thus flee the companionship of those whose core desire is wickedness.

• Example: A person whose conversation consistently revolves around tearing others down, gossiping maliciously, or planning deceitful actions reveals a heart given over to mischief, making their companionship detrimental.