Bible Strands
Proverbs 24:8
He who plots evil will be called a schemer.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The book of Proverbs addresses a general audience seeking practical wisdom, placing this verse between the warning that a fool lacks discernment in assembly and the declaration that foolish schemes constitute sin. The speaker presents a direct observation about the social consequence of deliberate malice.
The words — The text employs מְחַשֵּׁ֥ב (me.cha.Shev) for one who plans and מְזִמּ֥וֹת (me.zi.Mot) for plots, paired with יִקְרָֽאוּ (yik.Ra.'u), meaning people will call. These terms literally describe a person who devises harmful intentions and receives the fixed public label of a schemer.
The thread — The pattern of malicious plotting appears in Proverbs 6:14, where deceit in the heart devises evil and sows discord, and in Ezekiel 38:10, where the Lord pronounces that evil plans will arise in the mind. Psalm 21:11 further notes that though harmful schemes are devised, they will not ultimately prevail.
Why it lands — The text states that deliberate planning of harm results in a fixed, negative reputation, requiring the reader to recognize that internal schemes inevitably produce external consequences. It demands a choice to abandon hidden malice before it hardens into a public identity.
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
He that deviseth to do evil shall be called a mischievous person.
Cross-references
- Psalms 21:11 Though they intend You harm, the schemes they devise will not prevail.
- Ezekiel 38:10 This is what the Lord GOD says: On that day, thoughts will arise in your mind, and you will devise an evil plan.
- Proverbs 6:14 With deceit in his heart he devises evil; he continually sows discord.
- Proverbs 6:18 a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that run swiftly to evil,
- Proverbs 14:22 Do not those who contrive evil go astray? But those who plan goodness find loving devotion and faithfulness.
- Nahum 1:11 From you, O Nineveh, comes forth a plotter of evil against the LORD, a counselor of wickedness.
- Romans 1:30 slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant, and boastful. They invent new forms of evil; they disobey their parents.
- 1 Kings 2:44 The king also said, “You know in your heart all the evil that you did to my father David. Therefore the LORD will bring your evil back upon your head.
- Proverbs 24:2 for their hearts devise violence, and their lips declare trouble.
- Proverbs 24:9 A foolish scheme is sin, and a mocker is detestable to men.