Proverbs 6:14
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Proverbs 6:14
14 Frowardness is in his heart, he deviseth mischief continually; he soweth discord.
Chapter Context
Proverbs 6 is a wisdom sayings chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of hope, holiness, worship. Written during primarily Solomon's reign (c. 970-930 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Ancient Near Eastern wisdom literature was common in royal courts for training officials.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-35: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it demonstrates God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Proverbs and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Proverbs 6:14
14 Frowardness is in his heart, he deviseth mischief continually; he soweth discord.
Analysis
Perversity in the heart devises evil continually, sowing discord. The Hebrew 'tahpukah' (perverseness/distortion) and 'charadash' (devise/plow) describe continuous moral plotting. The perverse heart doesn't occasionally stumble into sin but constantly cultivates it. 'Sowing discord' ('shalach midyanim') indicates deliberate troublemaking. Some people are relationally destructive - they thrive on conflict and deliberately create division.
Historical Context
Proverbs frequently warns against the contentious person who sows strife (6:19, 16:28, 26:20-21). Ancient communities depended on social cohesion for survival. Discord threatened communal stability. The New Testament similarly condemns divisive people: Titus 3:10 instructs rejecting factious persons after warnings. Unity matters to God; discord-sowers offend Him.
Reflection
- How can you recognize those who deliberately sow discord versus those who unintentionally create conflict?
- What role might you be playing in sustaining rather than resolving relational division?
- How does God call peacemakers to address those who continually devise relational evil?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Hosea 8:7, Micah 2:1, Romans 16:17