Do they not err that devise evil?.... Certainly they do; they go astray from the right way, from the word of truth, from the Gospel of Christ, who contrive schemes to commit sin, and do mischief to their neighbours; or who "plough" it, and sow it, and expect a fine harvest; but they will be mistaken, and find it will not turn to account, and that they have took a wrong course, and have gone out of the way: none more mischievous devisers or contrivers of evil than the Papists, and none more sadly and fatally err;but mercy and truth [shall be] to them that devise good; who devise liberal things, to do good to the poor and needy; to their neighbours, their fellow creatures and fellow Christians: such receive grace and "mercy" at the hands of God, and his "truth" will appear in making good all promises to them; mercy and truth will preserve them from the evil way, and guide them in the right way, so that they shall not err as others do; neither from the doctrines of grace and truth, nor from the practice of them.
Bible Commentary
Proverbs 14:22
Proverbs 14:22
John Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible · John Gill (1697–1771) · Public Domain
The Daily Devotional
One devotional. Every morning.
The full reading, the passage behind it, and where to go deeper — in your inbox before the day starts. No ads, ever.
We'll send one email to confirm it's really you. Unsubscribe in one tap, any time.
Continue tomorrow
Turn Bible study into a daily habit
Read today's devotional, save your progress, and receive a gentle daily reminder.
Recommended reading
More for Proverbs 14:22
Continue with other commentaries and DiscipleDeck content connected to this verse, chapter, or topic.
Other commentaries
Proverbs 14 — OverviewProverbs 14 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleWisdom and Folly.Proverbs 14 — OverviewProverbs 14 · Little Bible — for children and parentsProverbs 14 is a collection of sharp contrasts between the wise and the foolish, the righteous and the wicked. It covers the home, the heart, the tongue, the poor, the king, and the nation — showing that wisdom and…Proverbs 14:1-35Proverbs 14:1-35 · The Pulpit CommentaryEXPOSITIONProverbs 14:20-27Proverbs 14:20-27 · The Pulpit CommentaryCauses and effects
To grasp this principle—there is nothing causeless and unaccountable in life—and to apply it is one of the main principles of wisdom. Let us note some of its applications—
I. TO SOCIAL RELATIONS.…Proverbs 14:22Proverbs 14:22 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleSee here, 1. How miserably mistaken those are that not only do evil,
but devise it: Do they not err? Yes, certainly they do; every one knows
it. They think that by sinning with craft and contrivance, and carrying…Proverbs 14:22Proverbs 14:22 · The Pulpit CommentaryDo they not err that devise evil? or, Will they not go astray? The question is an emphatic mode of asserting the truth. They who meditate and practise evil (Proverbs 3:29; Proverbs 6:14) go astray from the right way—the…
commentaryRecommended resourceExplore this resource connected to the verse you are reading.commentaryRecommended resourceExplore this resource connected to the verse you are reading.devotionThe Ambulance and the Fence Don't choose between the two; do both.Mercy: This week, do one act of direct kindness (buy a meal, visit a sick neighbor).Justice: This week, educate yourself on one systemic issue in your city (foster care, trafficking, or housing). Read one article or watch one documentary to understand why the cliff is slippery.Discipledeck devotionThe Jailer and the PrisonerForgiveness is not a feeling; it is a transaction. It is canceling the debt. You don't have to trust them again (trust is earned), but you must forgive them (grace is given). Unlock the door today—not for their sake, but for yours. Step out of the basementDiscipledeck devotionThe Fruit of EnvyEnvy promises you something better. It delivers something worse. I'm choosing gratitude over comparison today.DiscipleDeck