An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,
The verse traces wrongdoing to its inward starting place, a heart that contrives wicked plans, which then moves eagerly and swiftly outward into actions that inflict harm. That inward devising and hasty doing of harm takes concrete form in evil speaking and talebearing, in imagining evil concerning others, in alienating fellow believers, and in a condemnatory spirit that wrongs brethren. By such words and attitudes dissension and strife and discord are spread within the church. God hates and condemns this planning of evil and rushing to carry it out.
Where this course has sown discord among church members, it is to be confessed before God and before the church. Those who scatter these evils gather misery into their own souls and remain strangers to true happiness. Those who persist in thus wronging their brethren will themselves be brought to pass through the same kind of trial they imposed upon others.
The verse traces wrongdoing to its inward starting place, a heart that contrives wicked plans, which then moves eagerly and swiftly outward into actions that inflict harm. That inward devising and hasty doing of harm takes concrete form in evil speaking and talebearing, in imagining evil concerning others, in alienating fellow believers, and in a condemnatory spirit that wrongs brethren. By such words and attitudes dissension and strife and discord are spread within the church. God hates and condemns this planning of evil and rushing to carry it out.
Where this course has sown discord among church members, it is to be confessed before God and before the church. Those who scatter these evils gather misery into their own souls and remain strangers to true happiness. Those who persist in thus wronging their brethren will themselves be brought to pass through the same kind of trial they imposed upon others.