Hearts Studying Destruction - Proverbs 24:2

In the book of Proverbs Solomon said, “Be not you envious against evil men, neither desire to be with them”, and in chapter twenty-four and verse two of Proverbs Solomon said, “for their heart studies destruction” where we read,

For their heart studies destruction,

and their lips talk of mischief. 

The verse begins, “For their heart studies destruction, ...” Solomon began with the words, “for their heart” or “because, since and on account that the soul, mind, will, desires, living being, conscience and seat of emotions and affections belonging to the evil person” “studies destruction” which means “meditates, plots, speaks and muses in havoc, violence, devastation and ruin”. Solomon shared how the soul, mind and will of people who are wicked plots and meditates upon devastation and violence. 

The verse goes on to say, “... and their lips talk of mischief.” Solomon continued with the words, “and their lips” or “and the physical lips used for speaking of the evil people” “talk of mischief” which means “speak, utter, declare and proclaim toil, trouble, misery and grievance”. Solomon said wicked people use their physical lips to speak about troublesome and miserable acts and deeds. 

When we think through the words in this verse, we learn through Solomon why he wanted his readers and listeners to keep themselves separated from people who are wicked. Not only do these “evil” people have “souls and minds” that meditate in violence and destruction, but they also speak and make declarations concerning trouble, misery and grievance. God wants us to stay away from these people as well, and although He sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all people, there are people who refuse and reject Him as their “Savior and Lord”. Anyone who puts their faith and trust in Jesus will be forgiven of their sins, granted everlasting life and be given the wisdom to know who to keep company with and who not, but woe be to those people who choose their own ways of wickedness over the righteousness of God.

Next time Solomon says, “through wisdom is a house built”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".