Do they not err that devise evil? but mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good.

PROVERBS 14:22KJV
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Proverbs 14:22 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 14:22 mean?

Proverbs 14:22 teaches that those who plan to do wrong are mistaken, while those who plan to do good will receive kindness and reliability in return. The verse draws a clear line between the outcomes of evil intentions and good intentions, promising positive results for those who choose to do what is right.

In Proverbs 14:22, the writer—traditionally understood to be Solomon—is offering practical wisdom to his audience, likely young people or anyone seeking to live wisely. The verse uses strong contrasts to show that plotting evil leads people astray, while making plans for good brings about mercy and truth. This fits into the larger theme of Proverbs, which often contrasts the way of the wise with the way of the foolish.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 14:22

  • "Err" (תָּעָה, ta'ah, H8582) means to wander or go astray. Here, it suggests that those who plan evil are not just morally wrong but are also lost or misguided in life.
  • "Devise" (חָרַשׁ, charash, H2790) means to plan or plot, often with careful thought. The same word is used for both evil and good, highlighting that the intention behind planning is what matters.
  • "Evil" (רַע, ra', H7451) refers to harm, trouble, or moral wrongdoing. The verse warns that plotting such things leads to error.
  • "Mercy" (חֶסֶד, chesed, H2617) is a rich word meaning loving-kindness or steadfast love. It implies more than just kindness; it is a loyal, faithful love.
  • "Truth" (אֱמֶת, emet, H571) means faithfulness, reliability, or trustworthiness. Together with "mercy," it suggests that those who plan good will experience both kindness and trust.

Why Proverbs 14:22 matters

  • Proverbs 14:22 clarifies that intentions and plans are not neutral; what a person chooses to plot—good or evil—shapes their path and their outcomes.
  • The verse emphasizes that "mercy and truth" are not just abstract virtues but real rewards for those who actively plan to do good, encouraging readers to be intentional about their actions.
  • This proverb fits into a larger biblical theme that actions flow from the heart and that wise living involves both right motives and right deeds.

Where else these words appear

“err” Hebrew H8582 · used in 45 verses

  • Genesis 20:13 And it came to pass, when God caused me to wander from my father's house, that I said unto her, This is thy kindness which thou shalt shew unto me; at every place whither we shall come, say of me, He is my brother.
  • Psalms 119:110 The wicked have laid a snare for me: yet I erred not from thy precepts.
  • Isaiah 35:8 And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein.

“devise” Hebrew H2790 · used in 66 verses

  • Genesis 24:21 And the man wondering at her held his peace, to wit whether the LORD had made his journey prosperous or not.
  • Esther 4:14 For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?
  • Proverbs 6:14 Frowardness is in his heart, he deviseth mischief continually; he soweth discord.

“truth” Hebrew H571 · used in 125 verses

  • Genesis 24:27 And he said, Blessed be the LORD God of my master Abraham, who hath not left destitute my master of his mercy and his truth: I being in the way, the LORD led me to the house of my master's brethren.
  • Psalms 26:3 For thy lovingkindness is before mine eyes: and I have walked in thy truth.
  • Proverbs 23:23 Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.