WISDOM FROM GOD – “DEVISE NOT EVIL”

Jealousy is not one of the traits of the Living God, the LORD Jesus Christ. Therefore, jealousy cannot be a trait for a Christian too. Jealousy is the reason for Lucifer’s great fall. He coveted the LORD God Almighty’s place, and wanted to become god himself. Jealousy eats the person from inside. Once the person acts upon his jealousy, it will begin to destroy him from every side.  This is the lesson for us this morning, from Proverbs 3:29.
– “29 Devise not evil against thy neighbour, seeing he dwelleth securely by thee.” – Proverbs 3:29

The words of Proverbs 3:29 sound very simple. However, they address the evil of jealousy, one of the core issues of the fallen human heart. The essence of what is being said is about the moral law of the LORD God Almighty, the God of the Bible. We can learn two lessons from the above verse – 1- DEVISE NOT EVIL AGAINST THY NEIGHBOUR. 2- SEEING HE DWELLETH SECURELY BY THEE.

For our meditation this morning, let us look at the first part – “DEVISE NOT EVIL AGAINST THY NEIGHBOUR.” The first part of the verse has dual purpose. We can take this part, and apply it to our lives in a general sense, even though it is intricately connected with the second half of the verse.

There are two important points in these few words, which we can take a look at, to understand what is it that the LORD means here. One, “DEVISE NOT EVIL” and two “AGAINST THY NEIGHBOUR.”

1- “DEVISE NOT EVIL”
The word “devise” according to Bible Dictionaries and commentaries, implies very clearly, *”careful, intentional planning” in the sense of “fabricating evil” – which also includes, any of our “silent fantasies of revenge or manipulation” as the LORD describes in Micah 2:1.
– “The Hebrew word for “devise” suggests intentional planning or scheming, indicating a premeditated action that is contrary to the character of God, who is just and loving. This aligns with the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament, particularly in the Sermon on the Mount, where He expands on the law by addressing the heart’s intentions (Matthew 5:21-22).” – Berean Study Bible Notes

2- “AGAINST THY NEIGHBOUR”
A neighbour is not only someone who is residing beside our homes, but also, anyone and everyone with whom we deal. Consider what our LORD Jesus said in the Parable of the Good Samaritan – Luke 10:25-37. Strong’s Concordance defines “your neighbor” as our “Friend, companion, fellow.” 

When we devise evil against our neighbour, we are simply going against the words of the LORD Jesus as found in Matthew 5:43-48, basing from Leviticus 19:17-18 – “…thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD.”
– “[It]…emphasizes the moral imperative to maintain integrity and righteousness in our relationships. The concept of “neighbor” in biblical terms extends beyond mere proximity; it includes anyone with whom we interact. The command not to devise evil aligns with the broader biblical teaching against harboring malice or deceit, as seen in Leviticus 19:18, which instructs to love your neighbor as yourself.” – Berean Study Bible Notes

The words of Proverbs 3:29a are very much in line with the words of our LORD, as found in the rest of the Scriptures. 
– “9 “Thus says the LORD of hosts: Execute true justice, Show mercy and compassion Everyone to his brother. 10 Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, The alien or the poor. Let none of you plan evil in his heart Against his brother.’” – Zechariah 7:9-10
– “​1 Woe to those who devise iniquity, And work out evil on their beds! At morning light they practice it, Because it is in the power of their hand. 2 They covet fields and take them by violence, Also houses, and seize them. So they oppress a man and his house, A man and his inheritance.” – Micah 2:1-2

Dear brothers and sisters, we are called as the “Chosen People of God” as Christians and the ambassadors of the LORD Jesus Christ, to be His true disciples and representatives. This involves our intentional and active practice of all what the LORD Jesus had commanded us in His Word. The LORD had made it crystal clear, when He said…
– “20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. 21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” – Matthew 7:20-21. How are we standing up against the words of the Word of God? 

Tomorrow we will study the second part of Proverbs 3:29. May the LORD help us to fully grasp the meaning and the purpose of today’s meditation. Let us wholeheartedly apply all what the LORD is asking from us, in our lives. Even so, the LORD help us.