a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that run swiftly to evil, a heart that devises wicked schemesThe "heart" in Hebrew is "לֵב" (lev), which often represents the center of one's inner life, encompassing thoughts, emotions, and will. In the biblical context, the heart is not merely the seat of emotions but the core of moral and spiritual life. A heart that "devises" (from the Hebrew "חָרַשׁ" - charash) implies intentional planning or plotting. This is not a momentary lapse but a deliberate and continuous action. "Wicked schemes" (from "מַחֲשָׁבוֹת רָע" - machashavot ra) suggests plans that are morally corrupt and harmful. Historically, the wisdom literature of the Bible often contrasts the righteous and the wicked, emphasizing that God detests not just the actions but the very intentions that lead to sin. This phrase serves as a warning against allowing one's inner life to become a breeding ground for evil, urging believers to cultivate purity of heart. feet that run swiftly to evil Persons / Places / Events 1. SolomonTraditionally considered the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. He compiled these sayings to impart wisdom and moral instruction. 2. The Heart In Hebrew thought, the heart ("lev") is the center of thought, emotion, and will. It represents the inner life and moral character of a person. 3. Wicked Schemes This refers to plans or intentions that are morally wrong or harmful. The Hebrew word for "wicked" ("ra") implies evil or malice. 4. Feet Symbolically, feet represent the direction and actions of a person. In this context, they illustrate a readiness to engage in wrongdoing. 5. Evil The concept of evil ("ra") in Hebrew encompasses actions that are contrary to God's will and harmful to others. Teaching Points Guard Your HeartRecognize that the heart is the source of our thoughts and actions. Regularly examine your heart's intentions and align them with God's will. Plan for Righteousness Instead of devising wicked schemes, intentionally plan to do good. Seek wisdom and guidance from Scripture to shape your plans. Be Slow to Evil Cultivate a lifestyle that is slow to engage in wrongdoing. Develop habits that lead you away from temptation and towards righteousness. Seek Accountability Surround yourself with fellow believers who can provide guidance and hold you accountable in your walk with Christ. Pray for Transformation Ask God to transform your heart and mind, making you more like Christ in thought and deed. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the concept of the heart in Hebrew thought challenge or affirm your understanding of where sin originates?2. In what ways can you actively guard your heart against devising wicked schemes? 3. How do the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 15:19 relate to the warnings in Proverbs 6:18? 4. What practical steps can you take to ensure your "feet" are not swift to run to evil? 5. How can you incorporate accountability into your life to help prevent the development of wicked schemes? Connections to Other Scriptures Jeremiah 17:9This verse highlights the deceitfulness of the heart, emphasizing the need for divine insight to understand and rectify our inner inclinations. Matthew 15:19 Jesus speaks about the evil thoughts and actions that originate from the heart, reinforcing the idea that moral corruption begins internally. Romans 3:15 Paul describes the sinful nature of humanity, including the swiftness to commit evil acts, echoing the imagery of "feet that run swiftly to evil."
People SolomonPlaces JerusalemTopics Designs, Devises, Deviseth, Devising, Evil, Full, Haste, Hasting, Heart, Imaginations, Mischief, Plans, Purposes, Quick, Rapidly, Run, Running, Rush, Schemes, Sin, Swift, Thoughts, Vanity, WickedDictionary of Bible Themes Proverbs 6:18 5016 heart, fallen and redeemed 5925 rashness 1656 numbers, combinations Library The Talking BookA Sermon (No. 1017) Delivered on Lord's Day Morning, October 22nd, 1871 at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington, by C. H. Spurgeon. "When thou awakest, it shall talk with thee."--Proverbs 6:22. It is a very happy circumstance when the commandment of our father and the law of our mother are also the commandment of God and the law of the Lord. Happy are they who have a double force to draw them to the right--the bonds of nature, and the cords of grace. They sin with a vengeance who sin both against … C.H. Spurgeon—Sermons on Proverbs An Appeal to Children of Godly Parents The Talking Book How Sowers of Strifes and Peacemakers are to be Admonished. A Jealous God How Subjects and Prelates are to be Admonished. The Preface to the Commandments "Boast not Thyself of to Morrow, for Thou Knowest not what a Day May Bring Forth. " The Heavenly Footman; Or, a Description of the Man that Gets to Heaven: In Death and after Death "And Watch unto Prayer. " Proverbs Links Proverbs 6:18 NIVProverbs 6:18 NLT Proverbs 6:18 ESV Proverbs 6:18 NASB Proverbs 6:18 KJV Proverbs 6:18 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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