Proverbs 6:14
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Proverbs 6:14
14 Frowardness is in his heart, he deviseth mischief continually; he soweth discord.
Chapter Context
Proverbs 6 is a wisdom sayings chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of hope, covenant, righteousness. Written during primarily Solomon's reign (c. 970-930 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Ancient Near Eastern wisdom literature was common in royal courts for training officials.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-35: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Proverbs and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Proverbs 6:14
14 Frowardness is in his heart, he deviseth mischief continually; he soweth discord.
Analysis
Perversity in the heart devises evil continually, sowing discord. The Hebrew 'tahpukah' (perverseness/distortion) and 'charadash' (devise/plow) describe continuous moral plotting. The perverse heart doesn't occasionally stumble into sin but constantly cultivates it. 'Sowing discord' ('shalach midyanim') indicates deliberate troublemaking. Some people are relationally destructive - they thrive on conflict and deliberately create division.
Historical Context
Proverbs frequently warns against the contentious person who sows strife (6:19, 16:28, 26:20-21). Ancient communities depended on social cohesion for survival. Discord threatened communal stability. The New Testament similarly condemns divisive people: Titus 3:10 instructs rejecting factious persons after warnings. Unity matters to God; discord-sowers offend Him.
Reflection
- How can you recognize those who deliberately sow discord versus those who unintentionally create conflict?
- What role might you be playing in sustaining rather than resolving relational division?
- How does God call peacemakers to address those who continually devise relational evil?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Hosea 8:7, Micah 2:1, Romans 16:17