Proverbs 12:20
French NEG79 1979 (Segond Nouvelle Edition de Genève 1979)
What Does This Mean?
This verse from Proverbs says that people who think up bad things have deceit in their hearts, while those who plan peace find joy. The writer of Proverbs is speaking, emphasizing the contrast between malicious and peaceful intentions.
Explained for Children
Imagine you have two friends. One friend likes to play mean tricks, and that friend's heart is full of tricks. But the other friend always tries to make everyone happy and get along, and that friend's heart is full of joy. This verse is like that, showing how different thoughts can make your heart feel different ways.
Historical Background
Proverbs was written by King Solomon and other wise men of Israel around 1000-500 BCE. It was written for the people of Israel to teach them wisdom and moral behavior, reflecting the cultural and social norms of the time.
Living It Out Today
In a modern scenario, consider two coworkers planning a project. One tries to sabotage it for personal gain, while the other focuses on team collaboration and mutual benefit. The sabotaging coworker is likely to feel guilt and stress, while the collaborative coworker enjoys a sense of satisfaction and peace.