Proverbs 14:22
Do they not err that devise evil? but mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good.
Original Language Analysis
הֲֽלוֹא
H3808
הֲֽלוֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
1 of 8
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יִ֭תְעוּ
Do they not err
H8582
יִ֭תְעוּ
Do they not err
Strong's:
H8582
Word #:
2 of 8
to vacillate, i.e., reel or stray (literally or figuratively); also causative of both
חֹ֣רְשֵׁי
shall be to them that devise
H2790
חֹ֣רְשֵׁי
shall be to them that devise
Strong's:
H2790
Word #:
3 of 8
to scratch, i.e., (by implication) to engrave, plough; hence (from the use of tools) to fabricate (of any material); figuratively, to devise (in a bad
וְחֶ֥סֶד
but mercy
H2617
וְחֶ֥סֶד
but mercy
Strong's:
H2617
Word #:
5 of 8
kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty
וֶ֝אֱמֶ֗ת
and truth
H571
וֶ֝אֱמֶ֗ת
and truth
Strong's:
H571
Word #:
6 of 8
stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness
Historical Context
The verb charash (חָרַשׁ, plow, devise, plan) appears in both clauses—emphasizing deliberate planning. Ancient Near Eastern courts had advisors who counseled kings toward war or peace, justice or oppression. Those devising evil policies led nations astray into disaster. Those planning good brought stability and prosperity. Biblical examples include Ahithophel's evil counsel versus Hushai's good advice (2 Samuel 17).
Questions for Reflection
- What are you devising or planning in your heart—evil schemes or good purposes?
- How do mercy and truth characterize your plans and motivations, reflecting God's character?
- In what ways does devising good align with God's will and bring His blessing upon your life?
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Analysis & Commentary
Do they not err that devise evil? but mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good. This proverb contrasts those who plan evil versus good. Halo-yit'u chorshey ra (הֲלוֹא־יִתְעוּ חֹרְשֵׁי רָע, do not those who devise evil go astray?). Ta'ah (תָּעָה, err, wander, go astray) describes losing the way. Vecheced ve'emet chorshey tov (וְחֶסֶד וֶאֱמֶת חֹרְשֵׁי טוֹב, but mercy and truth for those who devise good). Chesed (חֶסֶד, steadfast love, loyalty) and emet (אֱמֶת, truth, faithfulness) reward those planning good. The proverb teaches that what we devise determines our outcome—evil leads astray, good brings covenant blessings.