King James Version

What Does Proverbs 24:2 Mean?

Proverbs 24:2 in the King James Version says “For their heart studieth destruction, and their lips talk of mischief. — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

For their heart studieth destruction, and their lips talk of mischief.

Proverbs 24:2 · KJV


Context

1

Be not thou envious against evil men, neither desire to be with them.

2

For their heart studieth destruction, and their lips talk of mischief.

3

Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established:

4

And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The wicked's heart 'studieth destruction' and their lips 'talk of mischief.' The Hebrew 'hagah' (studieth/meditates) describes deliberate focus. The wicked don't fall into evil accidentally; they plot it. Their speech reveals their hearts—constant talk of 'amal' (mischief/trouble). This describes the unregenerate heart actively opposing God. Reformed theology's doctrine of total depravity affirms that apart from grace, humans are bent toward evil. Association with such people invites corruption. As 1 Corinthians 15:33 warns, 'evil communications corrupt good manners.'

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Historical & Cultural Context

Wicked counselors in Israel's history (like those advising Rehoboam in 1 Kings 12) led to national disaster. The company one kept determined one's trajectory toward wisdom or folly.

Reflection Questions

  1. What influences are you allowing into your life through associations and media?
  2. How do you recognize when someone's constant focus is on destruction and mischief?
  3. What boundaries do you need to establish to protect yourself from corrupting influences?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
כִּי1 of 7
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

שֹׁ֭ד2 of 7

destruction

H7701

violence, ravage

יֶהְגֶּ֣ה3 of 7

studieth

H1897

to murmur (in pleasure or anger); by implication, to ponder

לִבָּ֑ם4 of 7

For their heart

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

וְ֝עָמָ֗ל5 of 7

of mischief

H5999

toil, i.e., wearing effort; hence, worry, whether of body or mind

שִׂפְתֵיהֶ֥ם6 of 7

and their lips

H8193

the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)

תְּדַבֵּֽרְנָה׃7 of 7

talk

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Proverbs. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Proverbs 24:2 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Proverbs 24:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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