Proverbs 12:20
Proverbs 12:20 in Multiple Translations
Deceit is in the hearts of those who devise evil, but the counselors of peace have joy.
Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace is joy.
Deceit is in the heart of them that devise evil; But to the counsellors of peace is joy.
Deceit is in the heart of those whose designs are evil, but for those purposing peace there is joy.
Deceit is in the mind of those planning evil, but those who plan peace have joy.
Deceite is in the heart of them that imagine euill: but to the counsellers of peace shall be ioye.
Deceit [is] in the heart of those devising evil, And to those counselling peace [is] joy.
Deceit is in the heart of those who plot evil, but joy comes to the promoters of peace.
Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counselors of peace is joy.
Deceit is in the heart of them that think evil things: but joy followeth them that take counsels of peace.
Those who plan to do what is evil are always wanting to deceive others, but things will go well for those who plan to do good things.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 12:20
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 12:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מִ֭רְמָה
בְּ/לֶב
חֹ֣רְשֵׁי
רָ֑ע
וּֽ/לְ/יֹעֲצֵ֖י
שָׁל֣וֹם
שִׂמְחָֽה
מִ֭רְמָה
mirmâh
H4820
deceit
N-fs
בְּ/לֶב
lêb
H3820
heart
Prep | N-ms
חֹ֣רְשֵׁי
chârash
H2790
to plow/plot
V-Qal
רָ֑ע
raʻ
H7451
bad
Adj
וּֽ/לְ/יֹעֲצֵ֖י
yâʻats
H3289
to advise
Conj | Prep | V-Qal
שָׁל֣וֹם
shâlôwm
H7965
Peace
N-ms
שִׂמְחָֽה
simchâh
H8057
joy
N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 12:20
מִ֭רְמָה
mirmâh
H4820
"deceit"
N-fs
This Hebrew word means deceit or cheating, like when someone tricks or lies to another person. It appears in stories about dishonest people, like in Jeremiah 8:10, where the prophet talks about the deceit of the Israelites. The word is often translated as 'deceit' or 'craft' in English Bibles.
Definition: deceit, treachery
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: craft, deceit(-ful, -fully), false, feigned, guile, subtilly, treachery. See also: Genesis 27:35; Proverbs 11:1; Psalms 5:7.
בְּ/לֶב
lêb
H3820
"heart"
Prep | N-ms
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
חֹ֣רְשֵׁי
chârash
H2790
"to plow/plot"
V-Qal
This verb can mean to be quiet or silent, but also to scratch or engrave, like a farmer plowing a field. It is used in various contexts, including being silent or deaf. The KJV translates it in different ways, including 'cease' or 'hold peace'.
Definition: 1) to cut in, plough, engrave, devise 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cut in, engrave 1a2) to plough 1a3) to devise 1b) (Niphal) to be ploughed 1c) (Hiphil) to plot evil
Usage: Occurs in 65 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] altogether, cease, conceal, be deaf, devise, ear, graven, imagine, leave off speaking, hold peace, plow(-er, man), be quiet, rest, practise secretly, keep silence, be silent, speak not a word, be still, hold tongue, worker. See also: Genesis 24:21; Psalms 28:1; Psalms 32:3.
רָ֑ע
raʻ
H7451
"bad"
Adj
Ra means bad or evil, referring to moral or natural harm. It describes adversity, affliction, or distress, and is often used to convey a sense of misery or injury.
Definition: : harmful adj 1) bad, evil 1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant 1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery) 1c) evil, displeasing 1d) bad (of its kind-land, water, etc) 1e) bad (of value) 1f) worse than, worst (comparison) 1g) sad, unhappy 1h) evil (hurtful) 1i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition) 1j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically) 1j1) in general, of persons, of thoughts 1j2) deeds, actions
Usage: Occurs in 623 OT verses. KJV: adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.). See also: Genesis 2:9; Judges 9:57; 2 Kings 21:6.
וּֽ/לְ/יֹעֲצֵ֖י
yâʻats
H3289
"to advise"
Conj | Prep | V-Qal
This Hebrew word means to advise or counsel someone, like giving guidance or planning something. It is used in the Bible to describe people seeking advice or working together to make a plan. The KJV translates it as advise or counsel.
Definition: 1) to advise, consult, give counsel, counsel, purpose, devise, plan 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to advise, counsel, give counsel, consult 1a2) counsellor (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to consult together, exchange counsel, deliberate, counsel together 1c) (Hithpael) to conspire
Usage: Occurs in 73 OT verses. KJV: advertise, take advise, advise (well), consult, (give, take) counsel(-lor), determine, devise, guide, purpose. See also: Exodus 18:19; Job 26:3; Psalms 16:7.
שָׁל֣וֹם
shâlôwm
H7965
"Peace"
N-ms
This Hebrew word for peace, shalom, means completeness, wellness, and friendship, and is often used to describe God's relationship with humanity, as seen in the covenant with the Israelites. It encompasses physical and spiritual health, prosperity, and harmony.
Definition: This name means completeness, peace Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 209 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] do, familiar, [idiom] fare, favour, [phrase] friend, [idiom] great, (good) health, ([idiom] perfect, such as be at) peace(-able, -ably), prosper(-ity, -ous), rest, safe(-ty), salute, welfare, ([idiom] all is, be) well, [idiom] wholly. See also: Genesis 15:15; Esther 2:11; Psalms 4:9.
שִׂמְחָֽה
simchâh
H8057
"joy"
N-fs
This Hebrew word means joy or gladness, often used to describe a happy occasion or celebration, like a festival. It's used in the Bible to express God's joy and pleasure. In the KJV, it's translated as joy, gladness, or mirth.
Definition: 1) joy, mirth, gladness 1a) mirth, gladness, joy, gaiety, pleasure 1b) joy (of God) 1c) glad result, happy issue
Usage: Occurs in 89 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] exceeding(-ly), gladness, joy(-fulness), mirth, pleasure, rejoice(-ing). See also: Genesis 31:27; Psalms 106:5; Psalms 4:8.
Study Notes — Proverbs 12:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 12:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 12:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 12:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 12:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 12:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 12:20
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 12:20
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 12:20
- Sermons on Proverbs 12:20
Context — Loving Discipline and Knowledge
18Speaking rashly is like a piercing sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
19Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.
20Deceit is in the hearts of those who devise evil, but the counselors of peace have joy.
21No harm befalls the righteous, but the wicked are filled with trouble. 22Lying lips are detestable to the LORD, but those who deal faithfully are His delight.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matthew 5:9 | Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. |
| 2 | 1 Peter 3:8–13 | Finally, all of you, be like-minded and sympathetic, love as brothers, be tenderhearted and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are inclined to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” Who can harm you if you are zealous for what is good? |
| 3 | Proverbs 12:12 | The wicked desire the plunder of evil men, but the root of the righteous flourishes. |
| 4 | Zechariah 6:13 | Yes, He will build the temple of the LORD; He will be clothed in splendor and will sit on His throne and rule. And He will be a priest on His throne, and there will be peaceful counsel between the two.’ |
| 5 | Hebrews 12:14 | Pursue peace with everyone, as well as holiness, without which no one will see the Lord. |
| 6 | Mark 7:21–22 | For from within the hearts of men come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, debauchery, envy, slander, arrogance, and foolishness. |
| 7 | Mark 12:14–17 | “Teacher,” they said, “we know that You are honest and seek favor from no one. Indeed, You are impartial and teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not? Should we pay them or not?” But Jesus saw through their hypocrisy and said, “Why are you testing Me? Bring Me a denarius to inspect.” So they brought it, and He asked them, “Whose image is this? And whose inscription?” “Caesar’s,” they answered. Then Jesus told them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” And they marveled at Him. |
| 8 | Isaiah 9:6–7 | For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness from that time and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of Hosts will accomplish this. |
| 9 | Romans 1:29 | They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed, and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, and malice. They are gossips, |
| 10 | Proverbs 26:24–26 | A hateful man disguises himself with his speech, but he lays up deceit in his heart. When he speaks graciously, do not believe him, for seven abominations fill his heart. Though his hatred is concealed by deception, his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly. |
Proverbs 12:20 Summary
This verse tells us that people who plan to do bad things have deceit in their hearts, but those who try to bring peace have joy. It's like what Jesus said in Matthew 5:9, 'Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God'. When we try to bring peace and harmony to those around us, we can experience true joy. On the other hand, when we scheme and plan to hurt others, we are filled with deceit and will not know peace, as seen in Proverbs 10:9, where it says 'he who walks with integrity walks securely'.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'devise evil' in Proverbs 12:20?
To devise evil means to plan or scheme to do harm to others, as seen in Proverbs 6:14, where it says 'they devise evil in their hearts'. This kind of behavior is rooted in deceit and a lack of peace.
Who are the 'counselors of peace' mentioned in this verse?
The counselors of peace are those who promote harmony and understanding, as seen in Proverbs 11:30, where it says 'the fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise'. These individuals bring joy to those around them.
How can we know if we are devising evil or promoting peace?
We can examine our hearts and motivations, as encouraged in Psalm 139:23-24, where David asks God to search his heart and reveal any wicked ways. If our intentions are rooted in love and a desire for good, we are likely promoting peace.
What is the relationship between deceit and joy in this verse?
According to Proverbs 12:20, deceit is associated with those who devise evil, while joy is associated with the counselors of peace. This suggests that honesty and integrity are essential for experiencing true joy, as also seen in Proverbs 10:9, where it says 'he who walks with integrity walks securely'.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I might be devising evil in my own heart, and how can I repent and seek peace instead?
- How can I be a counselor of peace in my relationships and community, promoting harmony and understanding?
- What are some deceitful patterns or thoughts that I need to acknowledge and surrender to God, and how can I replace them with truthful and peaceful ones?
- In what ways can I cultivate joy in my life by seeking to be a peacemaker and promoter of harmony, as seen in Matthew 5:9?
- How can I balance honesty and integrity with kindness and compassion, so that I can be a source of peace and joy to those around me?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 12:20
Deceit [is] in the heart of them that imagine evil,.... That secretly devise mischief in their hearts against their neighbours; that plough evil, as the word (g) signifies, and sow discord among men;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 12:20
Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace is joy. Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 12:20
Deceit; either, 1. Towards others, whom they design to deceive, and then to destroy, whilst good counsellors bring safety and joy to others. Or rather, 2. To themselves. So the sense of the verse is, They whose hearts devise mischief against others shall be deceived in their hopes, and bring that trouble upon themselves which they design against others; but they who by good counsels labour to promote the peace and happiness of others, shall reap the comfort and benefit of it to themselves.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 12:20
Proverbs 12:20 Deceit [is] in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace [is] joy.Ver. 20. Deceit is in the heart of them, &c.] Incendiaries and make-baits, counsellors of contention, have twenty devices to make trouble, and to put all into a combustion; but they shall either be defeated of their purposes, or have small joy of their achievements; - witness our late English boutifeaus, with the whole nation of Ignatius, whose practice is to machinate mischief, and breed hate; being herein no less dangerous than once those Jews were, who, before they were banished hence, threw bags of poison into the wells and fountains that the people were to drink from, and so endeavoured to poison them all. The just judgment of God upon Nicholas Saunders, priest, the firebrand of Ireland, 1580 AD, spent with famine and forsaken of all help, is most worthy to be kept in perpetual remembrance. He being impatiently grieved at the evil success of his rebellion with Earl Desmond, and seeing that neither the Pope’ s blessing, nor the consecrated banner, nor the plume of phoenix feathers, so said to be at least, sent from Rome, could do him any help, lost himself, and ran stark mad, wandering up and down in the mountains and woods, and, finding no comfort, died miserably. Thus God met with a restless and wretched man, and that foul mouth was stopped with famine that was ever open to sow sedition and stir up rebellions against the state. But to the counsellors of peace there is joy.] They shall have peace for peace: peace of conscience for peace of country, pax pectoris peace of the heart for pax temporis; peace of time, they shall be called and counted the children of peace, yea, "the children of God," have the comfort and credit of it, as Augustus Caesar and our Henry VII had; who as he went into banishment together with the public peace, so he brought it back with him at his return, and was afterwards wont to say, If we princes should take every occasion that is offered, the world should never be quiet, but wearied with continual wars. Bishop Carleton’ s Thankf. Remem., p. 49.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 12:20
(20) Deceit is in the heart . . .—Those who plot and devise evil against others begin by deceiving them, and end by deceiving themselves also; whereas the “counsellors of peace,” who seek the good of their neighbours, bring joy to them and to themselves also through the satisfaction derived from a good conscience.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 12:20
The “deceit” of “those who imagine evil” can work nothing but evil to those whom they advise. The “counselors of peace” have joy in themselves, and impart it to others also.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 12:20
20. Deceit — “Delusion.” — Miller. Imagine evil — Fabricators or advisers of evil. Counsellors of peace — Those who give wholesome advice.
Sermons on Proverbs 12:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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On Eagles' Wings Pt 162 by Don Courville | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the church being a place of fellowship, encouragement, growth, and building up. He highlights the seven things that God ha |
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(The Law of the Holy Spirit) God's House - a Three Story Building by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen emphasizes the importance of building a godly life, home, and church, illustrating that the foundation of our lives must be rooted in the understanding of God's immense |
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Bondage Breaker - Part 3 by Neil T. Anderson | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the topic of temptation and how everyone experiences it. He uses the analogy of a movie called Sand Pebbles to illustrate the challenges faced |
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A Life of Peace by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of pursuing a life of peace in three key areas: peace with God inwardly, peace with all men, and peace in circumstances and relationships. It |
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Blessed Are the Peacemaker by Dwight Pentecost | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of maintaining unity within the body of believers. He refers to a parable in Matthew's Gospel where Jesus speaks of a shepher |
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(Revelation) the Church at Smyrna by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the joy, peace, and hope that believers have in their relationship with God. He describes this joy as being almost tangible and full of glor |
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The Beauty of Unity by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the preacher begins by sharing that he felt prompted to preach a different message than planned. He then reads from the book of Mark, specifically chapter 3, where |