Artisan Evil

(Proverbs 6:14 KJV)  Frowardness is in his heart, he deviseth mischief continually; he soweth discord.

This is a continuation of the discussion of the “worthless person” begun in verse 12.

“Perversity” (8419) is a characteristic of “evil” (7451b).  The KJV again uses the word “frowardness.”  If I see this word often enough I may begin to use it.  What is being conveyed here is another way of describing original sin, the condition of human hearts without the washing of the blood and the cleansing of the Spirit.  It has the idea of turning away from the original purpose.  Proverbs is talking about a worthless person so there is a sense of deliberate choice. 

This worthless person has a “heart” (3820) that is continually turning life away from its divine purpose.  This word is used to mean the core of the inner man, just as we might use it.  Again we see that the perversion, sin, is coming from within.  It is not a product of his society.  EVIL EXISTS.  “EVIL” (7451b)  PEOPLE EXIST.

The evil person “devises” (2790a) more evil.  This is the word of the artisan.  This is designer evil.  The definition gives some insight into the picture:  To cut in, engrave, plow, devise.  This implies a gifted, talented approach to evil.  This person is an artist of evil.  This type of person is very common.

“Strife” (4066) {end} is a result of deliberate, targeted work.  This person is at all of your business meetings, family gatherings, social events.  He is in all three branches of government, all ranks in the military, all church committee, and in every charity organization.  He writes blogs.  He gets his greatest joy in causing dissension and suspicion.  He is often subtle and quiet. 

So?  Be aware.  Be an antidote.  Be oil on the water.  Jesus said, “Blessed are the peace makers.”  Love is patient....  Much of the time this will involve refusing to be seduced.  Often it will mean ignoring the person.  At times it will mean correction, reproof and rebuke.  In extreme cases it will mean ostracizing a person.  Pray that the Holy Spirit will make you aware of the problem and how to be part of the solution.