Introduction
Before getting into the meaning of Proverbs 12:20, here’s different Bible translations:
King James Version
Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellers of peace is joy.
American Standard Version
Deceit is in the heart of them that devise evil; But to the counsellors of peace is joy.
World English Bible version
Deceit is in the heart of those who plot evil, but joy comes to the promoters of peace.
Proverbs 12:20 Meaning & Commentary
Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, but those who plan peace have joy. Proverbs 12:20 (ESV)
Have you ever encountered a deceitful person? They may appear nice on the outside, but inwardly – they are harboring deceit and evil in their heart. We cannot just rely on what people say or even how they look. Sometimes, what is said or “presented” is a cover-up of what is going on in their heart: Proverbs 26:24 Whoever hates disguises himself with his lips and harbors deceit in his heart.
Although a truth throughout scripture is that what is in the heart comes out of the mouth, we also see that sometimes people try to hide what is in their hearts with pleasant and flattering words. As Proverbs 12:20 teaches, someone who devises evil has deceit in their heart – why? Simply put, they don’t want everyone to know they are planning evil. Therefore, they try to cover it up in whatever way possible. That could be through speaking flattering words, lying, or any other means!
In Proverbs 12:20, The Bible also says that those who plan peace have joy. To live a life in Christ or with God is to have joy and peace. An evil person will not plan peace – they would either plan evil or not care. When we walk with God, there is peace, joy, and wholeness in Him.
There is a saying – “Know God, know Peace.” That is a very true statement, and to know God is to have joy – a joy that cannot be taken away: Romans 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Peace and joy are not something to be strived for – it is a by-product of our relationship with God. When we have peace, we naturally want to extend it to others!
Application
How can we practically apply Proverbs 12:20 to our lives?
When we encounter people, we may not immediately be able to discern their motives or intentions, but we can pray and ask God to help us!
The Bible lists the ability to distinguish between spirits as a gift of The Holy Spirit: 1 Corinthians 12:10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. Another translation calls it “the discerning of spirits.” This is the ability to discern the spirit of a person. We have free permission from God to ask for the gifts of The Spirit: 1 Corinthians 12:31 But earnestly desire the higher gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way.
So, we should pray to God and ask him for the gift of discerning of spirits. In our walk with God, we need to know that if we are born again, we have the capacity to live Christ-like lives: Ephesians 4:22-24 to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.
As we spend time with God and practically “live out” our Christian walk, we will be transformed into the image of Jesus Christ: 2 Corinthians 3:18 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.
If we truly walk with God, we don’t need to “try” not to plan evil – neither do we need to “try” to plan peace and do good – we do it naturally because God’s nature is inside us! We will bear fruit for God and prosper in everything we do: Colossians 1:10 so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.
Prayer
Mighty God, I pray today and ask that you give me the spirit of discernment. I pray that I would be able to know and discern the spirit and motives of people.
Lord, I ask forgiveness where I have harbored deceit or evil in my heart. I choose to lay aside all evil today and forgive anyone who may have hurt me. I set my face on Jesus right now, and I ask that you stir up a hunger and a passion inside of me now. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen!
