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

Proverbs 12:20

In our verse for today, there are several key distinctions made between those with a deceitful heart and those who are counselors of peace. However, I want to look at the distinction between those “who devise evil” and those who do an evil thing now and then. Is there a distinction, and if so what is the difference and how does God handle that difference. 

[Note: Please remember, I am no Hebrew or Greek scholar at all. I just know some tools to help me understand the English translations from these ancient languages. The main tool I use is the online Blue Letter Bible.]

In these definitions we find that the beginning phrase of our key heart verse is using very strong language. We also find that those who fit into the above meanings are in their very hearts deceitful and they, from their hearts (inner self) plot evil…they cut in or plough evil into everything that they think, say and do. Historical figures like Nero, Genghis Khan, or Hitler come to mind. But, we also may brand current day men and women with being evil in their very deepest inner parts. I refrain from naming those names as that is not helpful to this discussion.

So, is there a distinction between those who plot evil every day of their lives and those who simply think about and do evil sometimes? I contend there is a distinction, but the consequences of the evil sinning are the same; separation from God.

I do think those who plan and spread evil continually, especially those in authority and lead others to do evil; have a special strong hand of judgement from God on them. Think of Pharaoh or Nebuchadnezzar or Haman or the evil kings of Israel’s northern kingdom. And if they don’t repent, is there a specific location of hell for them to exist in for eternity? I don’t know for sure, but we are told that Satan and his demons have a specific location of torment in the eternal hell. So, maybe…??

I do contend, however and believe the Bible bears this out; that we are all evil in our very hearts and that we all plot to do evil; though most of us wouldn’t call it plotting. We like to think and say of ourselves, “I fell into sin.” or “I slid down that sinful path.” At the same time, we sure enjoy naming names and pointing fingers at all those sinners who chose to do evil!

This kind of pious maneuvering just isn’t in the Bible. 

Do I ever think about evil? Do I ever do evil? Of course, I do! And so, do you!

The heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick; who can understand it?

Jeremiah 17:9

As it is written, THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS,
NOT EVEN ONE;

Romans 3:10

Remember the above definition of evil? It is the absolute opposite of righteous! 

During the Sermon on the Mount Jesus turned pious righteousness on its head. You can read His stunning teaching in Matthew 5:21-48.

So, what is any human who has ever been born to do about the evil human heart?! 

…Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved…

Acts 16:31

Without belief in Jesus, either before His walking on Earth, and His death, burial and resurrection (Old Testament Humans) OR after His eternal timestamp in history, there is zero hope of defeating the evil that is inside of us! Without Jesus there is zero ability to actually think, say or do anything that is pure and holy and righteous! Without Jesus, we all would be plotting and ploughing evil everywhere and anywhere every single day! 

 But With Jesus…2 Corinthians 5:21

He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

Thank you, Jesus!