Proverbs 14:22
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Do they not err that devise evil? but mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good.
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Your heart and mind seldom rest. They are considering and planning either good or evil. It is a horrible error to plan evil, but God will give mercy and truth to those who plan good. Planning wickedness brings the hatred of men (14:17; 24:8) and the judgment of God (24:9; Gen 6:5-7). Choose this day to dedicate your heart and mind to devising good.
The LORD is against evil doers, and the LORD rewards those who do good (12:2; Ezek 18:4; I Pet 3:10-12). There will be recompense to both - the sinner shall be judged, and the righteous shall be rewarded (11:31; 13:21; 26:10; 28:10; Ps 37:9).
But even thinking about evil is sin. For desire is equal to the act, except for opportunity. The Preacher said, "The thought of foolishness is sin" (24:9). Jesus condemned the thought of desiring another woman as adultery (Matt 5:28). Do not forget this sober lesson. Fantasies of sin are wrong; evil thoughts are wrong; imagining evil is wrong.
The Lord sees all the thoughts of every heart and rewards men accordingly (Jer 17:10; Heb 4:12-13). Because you have not committed the sin is not good enough - devising it in your heart is just as bad before the LORD. He will judge you; it is a foolish error to think you can devise wickedness and protect yourself by not going through with it.
More than forty Jews died very thirsty and hungry, for vowing not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul (Acts 23:12)! Haman devised the destruction of all the Jews out of his great hatred for Mordecai, but he died on his own gallows (Esth 7:10). The scribes and Pharisees left in shame after bringing an adulteress to Jesus to trap Him (John 8:1-11). And the effeminate preachers of our perilous times shall have their corrupt devices exposed as fruitless froth and vain babblings (II Tim 3:6-9).
Abraham devised good in sending his servant to find a God-fearing wife for Isaac, who found Rebekah easily by God's blessing of mercy and truth upon Abraham (Gen 24:27). David devised good in desiring to build God a house; and though Solomon built it, the Lord gave great promises of mercy and truth to David (II Sam 7:1-19; 23:1-5).
Mercy and truth are wonderful blessings, especially when met together. "Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other" (Ps 85:10). This is the promised blessing of those who devise good - who plan, arrange, and design good in their lives and by their lives. Who can resist such an offer? All you need to do is set your heart and plans toward good - wise and spiritual things, and you will receive the reward.
Reader, how do you receive the preaching of God's Holy Scriptures? Do you devise in your heart that you are going to keep your sin? Postpone repentance and conversion? Harden yourself against the reproofs of the minister and Spirit? You will not escape! You err fatally, and you shall be judged severely, as one to whom much was given.
Christian reader, if you devise in your heart to accept the correction and reproof of preaching, intending to implement it immediately and completely, do it, today! God will bless you with mercy and truth, and the grace of Christ in your life (James 1:25). Choose this day to rule your thinking, planning, and devising only toward the good.
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