Bible Strands
Proverbs 12:20
Deceit is in the hearts of those who devise evil, but the counselors of peace have joy.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The passage functions as a wisdom contrast addressed to students of instruction, positioned between declarations about enduring truth and the ultimate fate of the righteous.
The words — מִרְמָה (Mir.mah) means deceit, and שׂמחה (sim.chah) means joy.
The thread — The link between internal motives and external conduct appears in Mark 7:21, Matthew 5:9, and 1 Peter 3:8.
Why it lands — The text states that scheming for evil resides in the heart while counsel for peace brings joy, requiring a reader to align their inner counsel with peace rather than deception.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace is joy.
Cross-references
- Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.
- Mark 7:21 For from within the hearts of men come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery,
- 1 Peter 3:8 Finally, all of you, be like-minded and sympathetic, love as brothers, be tenderhearted and humble.
- Proverbs 12:12 The wicked desire the plunder of evil men, but the root of the righteous flourishes.
- Proverbs 26:24 A hateful man disguises himself with his speech, but he lays up deceit in his heart.
- Jeremiah 17:16 But I have not run away from being Your shepherd; I have not desired the day of despair. You know that the utterance of my lips was spoken in Your presence.
- 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.’
- Hebrews 12:14 Pursue peace with everyone, as well as holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.
- Isaiah 9:6 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.
- Mark 12:14 “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?”