The term "deviseth" is an archaic form of the verb "devise," which means to plan, invent, or contrive. In the context of the Bible, it often refers to the act of planning or plotting, whether for good or evil purposes. The concept of devising is significant in Scripture as it reflects the intentions and motivations of the heart, which are of great concern to God.

Biblical Usage:

1. Evil Devising:
The Bible frequently warns against devising evil or wicked plans. In Proverbs 6:16-19 , it is stated, "There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to Him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies, and a person who stirs up conflict in the community." Here, a heart that "devises wicked schemes" is listed among the things that are detestable to God, highlighting the moral and spiritual implications of one's inner intentions.

2. Righteous Devising:
Conversely, devising can also be used in a positive sense when it involves planning for good or righteous purposes. In Proverbs 14:22 , it is written, "Do not those who devise evil go astray? But those who plan good find loyalty and faithfulness." This verse contrasts the outcomes of evil and good devising, suggesting that those who plan good will experience loyalty and faithfulness, both from God and others.

3. Divine Devising:
The Bible also speaks of God's own plans and purposes, which are always righteous and just. In Jeremiah 29:11 , God declares, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Here, the divine devising is portrayed as benevolent and aimed at the well-being of His people.

Theological Implications:

The act of devising, whether for good or evil, underscores the importance of the heart's intentions in biblical theology. Scripture teaches that God examines the heart and is concerned with the motivations behind human actions. In 1 Samuel 16:7 , it is stated, "The LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." This highlights the divine focus on inner character rather than mere external actions.

Moral and Ethical Considerations:

From a moral and ethical standpoint, the concept of devising in the Bible calls believers to examine their own hearts and intentions. It serves as a reminder to align one's plans and purposes with God's will, seeking to devise good rather than evil. The call to righteousness involves not only refraining from wicked schemes but actively pursuing plans that reflect God's love, justice, and mercy.

Practical Application:

In practical terms, believers are encouraged to seek wisdom and guidance from God in their planning and decision-making processes. James 1:5 advises, "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him." This underscores the importance of relying on divine wisdom to devise plans that honor God and benefit others.

In summary, the concept of "deviseth" in the Bible serves as a powerful reminder of the significance of the heart's intentions and the moral responsibility to align one's plans with God's righteous standards.

Psalm CXL.
... who seek to cheat him in trade, to rob him of money, where they are engaged together
in business; every one has some neighbour his enemy, who deviseth how to ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxl.htm

The Testament of Gad Concerning Hatred.
... And if it be a servant, it accuseth him to his master, and with all affliction
it deviseth against him, if it be possible to slay him. ...
/.../the testaments of the twelve patriarchs/ix the testament of gad concerning.htm

If You Wish Me to Keep Silence, Cease from Accusing Me. Lay Down ...
... lips, the eyes of him that speaketh evil, the tongue of the unjust, the hands which
shed the blood of the just, [3214] the heart that deviseth evil thoughts ...
/.../43 if you wish me.htm

Psalm 52
... The goodness of Almighty God. endureth ever still. ^2Thy tongue mischievous calumnies.
deviseth subtilely,. Like to a razor sharp to cut,. working deceitfully. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/scottish psalter and paraphrases/psalm 52.htm

How Sowers of Strifes and Peacemakers are to be Admonished.
... with a perverse mouth, he winketh with his eyes, he beateth with his foot, he speaketh
with his finger, with froward heart he deviseth mischief continually, he ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/chapter xxiii how sowers of.htm

October 7 Morning
... battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of
understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill."A man's heart deviseth his way ...
/.../anonymous/daily light on the daily path/october 7 morning.htm

Whether a Prince Forfeits his Dominion Over his Subjects, on ...
... apostate . . . with a wicked heart deviseth evil, and . . . soweth discord,"
in order to sever others from the faith. Consequently ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether a prince forfeits his.htm

Whether Apostasy Pertains to Unbelief?
... With a wicked heart he deviseth evil, and at all times he soweth discord." Moreover
if anyone were to have himself circumcised, or to worship at the tomb of ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether apostasy pertains to unbelief.htm

Antichrist in the Psalms
... he poses as Israel's friend, later when he comes out in his true character as their
enemy.j Verse 4 describes his moral character: "he deviseth mischief upon ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/antichrist in the psalms .htm

Ninth Commandment
... keener with constant use. "Thy tongue deviseth mischiefs; like a sharp razor,
working deceitfully. . . . They have sharpened their ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/weighed and wanting/ninth commandment.htm

Deviseth (12 Occurrences)
...Deviseth (12 Occurrences). ... (ASV). Psalms 36:4 He deviseth mischief upon his bed;
he setteth himself in a way that is not good; he abhorreth not evil. ...
/d/deviseth.htm - 9k

Devises (11 Occurrences)
... have imagined. (See NIV). Psalms 52:2 Thy tongue deviseth destruction;
like a sharp razor, working deceitfully. (See NAS). Psalms ...
/d/devises.htm - 9k

Mischievous (13 Occurrences)
... long. (WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT). Psalms 52:2 Thy tongue deviseth mischievous
things, like a sharp razor, practising deceit. (DBY). ...
/m/mischievous.htm - 10k

Devising (18 Occurrences)

/d/devising.htm - 11k

Mischief (64 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). Psalms 36:4 He deviseth mischief upon his bed; he setteth himself in
a way that is not good; he abhorreth not evil. (KJV WBS RSV). ...
/m/mischief.htm - 26k

Intrigues (4 Occurrences)
... away from the strife of tongues. (See NIV). Proverbs 24:8 He that deviseth
to do evil shall be called a master of intrigues. (DBY). ...
/i/intrigues.htm - 7k

Imaginations (9 Occurrences)
... NAS). Proverbs 6:18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that
be swift in running to mischief, (KJV DBY WBS). Isaiah 65 ...
/i/imaginations.htm - 9k

Frowardness (4 Occurrences)
... YLT). Proverbs 6:14 Frowardness is in his heart, he deviseth mischief
continually; he soweth discord. (KJV JPS WBS YLT). Proverbs ...
/f/frowardness.htm - 8k

Establisheth (16 Occurrences)
... boundary of the widow. (DBY). Proverbs 16:9 The heart of man deviseth his way,
And Jehovah establisheth his step. (YLT). Proverbs 21:29 ...
/e/establisheth.htm - 11k

Dissension (18 Occurrences)
... suspicions, (See RSV). Proverbs 6:14 Frowardness is in his heart, he deviseth
evil continually; he soweth discord. (See NIV). Proverbs 6 ...
/d/dissension.htm - 11k

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