Introduction
Before getting into the meaning of Proverbs 14:22, here’s different Bible translations:
King James Version
Do they not err that devise evil? but mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good.
American Standard Version
Do they not err that devise evil? But mercy and truth [shall be to] them that devise good.
World English Bible version
Don't they go astray who plot evil? But love and faithfulness belong to those who plan good.
Proverbs 14:22 Meaning & Commentary
Do they not go astray who devise evil? Those who devise good meet steadfast love and faithfulness. – Proverbs 14:22 (ESV)
If we have accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we know that we are born again and have been redeemed from hell. However, this is not a license for us to live as we wish. The truth is that whatever we do comes back to us – this is the principle of sowing and reaping. Furthermore, our relationship with God is reflected in our walk with others.
The first part of Proverbs 14:22 says, “they go astray who devise evil.” When we go astray from God, we naturally pull or gravitate toward evil. The Bible makes it clear that there is nothing good in our flesh: Romans 7:18 – For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. So, when we go astray from God, we are overcome by evil and even start to “devise evil,” as Proverbs 14:22 says.
The second part of the verse says that “those who devise good meet steadfast love and faithfulness.” The principle of sowing and reaping is alive and well, and what we do to others – the life that we live comes back to us: Proverbs 11:25 – Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered. In the New Testament, we see Jesus issue a new “great commandment” which sums up all the other commandments: John 13:34 – A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.
Two things that please God are love and obedience. When we walk in these things, we will experience a loving and intimate relationship with God: John 14:21 – Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.
Application
How can we apply Proverbs 14:22 to our lives?
Our lives as Christians can be summed up in two different respects. First is our love for God, and the second is our love for others. When we love God, we will obey Him, adhere to all his commandments, and keep His Word. When we do this, Jesus promises us a life of intimacy with God: John 14:21 – Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.
So, as we love God, we grow in Him – receive His love in our hearts, and we are to extend this same love to others. When we truly have God’s love inside of us and walk with Him, we naturally desire to do good to others, and God will make His home with us. This is when we meet with “steadfast love and faithfulness.”
God is steadfast in love, and he is always faithful to us. God gives us the desire and the power to walk in love, purity, and in a way that pleases Him: Philippians 2:13 – for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. We must “live out” and practice what God has already worked inside us. We will then reap from God what we sow into others – IE: we will “meet” steadfast love and faithfulness when we devise or do good to others. We are constantly surrounded by opportunities to do good every day – let us not allow them to go to waste. In doing so, God will reward us, and we will live a fulfilling life that brings glory to God!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I thank You for showing me how to love others. Thank You for shedding Your love abroad in my heart for people. Forgive me where I have actively entertained or devised evil.
I choose today to be obedient to Your Word, Your leading, and Your guiding. Help me to follow you wholeheartedly. I ask this all in Jesus’ name. Amen!
