Chapter
Verse

Proverbs 6:18

ESV a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil,
NIV a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil,
NASB A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that run rapidly to evil,
CSB a heart that plots wicked schemes, feet eager to run to evil,
NLT a heart that plots evil, feet that race to do wrong,
KJV An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,
NKJV A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil,

What does Proverbs 6:18 mean?

Here, Solomon continues his short list of things which the Lord hates (Proverbs 6:16–17). The first three were arrogance, deceitfulness, and violence against the innocent.

Next is an attitude which deliberately plans to do evil. Jesus identified the heart as the source of good or evil. He told His disciples, "Out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander" (Matthew 15:19). Unless the Lord rules a person's heart, sin rules it, and the outcome is evil conduct.

God hates not only a heart that makes wicked plans but also the feet that carry out those plans. In Scripture, feet are often used as references to completing or enacting a plan (Zechariah 14:4; Romans 10:15). In this instance, the evil person is not just content to make wicked plans, he is eager and enthusiastic about carrying them out. John 13:27–30 says that when Judas was fully possessed by Satan, he immediately left the upper room. He "hurried," in a sense, to Jesus' enemies so they could complete their murder (John 18:3, 12).
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