Hearts devising wickedness
Proverbs 6:16–19
16 There are six things that the Lord hates,
seven that are an abomination to him:
17 haughty eyes, a lying tongue,
and hands that shed innocent blood,
18 a heart that devises wicked plans,
In the mid-90s, the cartoon “Pinky and the Brain” was released and forever seared its catchphrase into my mind.
Pinky would ask: “Gee, Brain, what do you want to do tonight?”
Brain: “The same thing we do every night, Pinky—try to take over the world!”
Being a cartoon, hijinks would ensue, and Brain’s evil plans would fail due to arrogance, lack of oversight, and the downright impossibility of the task. Does that sound familiar?
Too often, our hearts devise wicked plans centered on trying to take over the world, or at least our corner of it. If only I could control the schedule, the narrative, and those around me, then life would be all I want it to be! I would live in the land flowing with milk and honey, to use a biblical analogy.
Constantly, our hearts are developing ways to do evil. We are hatching new plans to increase our power. We are scheming new ways to supplant others. We are brainstorming how to avoid penalties, save face, and succeed at any expense necessary.
That might sound harsh, but is it not true? Is your heart not constantly leading you toward evil?
Does this sound familiar?
How can I make myself look better without technically bragging?
How can I punish this person without looking vindictive?
How can I control this situation without appearing controlling?
How can I tell the story so I look innocent?
How can I get what I want while still appearing generous?
How can I avoid admitting that I was wrong?
Our hearts seek to honor one almighty figure in our lives—ourselves! I am convinced that each and every person, whether a Christian or not, is seeking to develop their own heaven on earth—but sadly, that is a heaven without God.
Final thought: The word devising brings with it connotations of secrecy and quiet. These wicked plans are being conceived secretly and completed secretly. Like a duck seemingly calm on the surface while its legs churn furiously beneath the water, our outward lives can look peaceful while our hearts are scheming underneath. No one else may see the plan forming—but God does.
So today, pay attention to what is happening beneath the surface. What outcome are you quietly trying to manipulate? Whose opinion are you trying to control? What plan are you making that requires someone else to lose so that you can win?
