Topical Encyclopedia
In the context of the Bible, the term "devises" often refers to plans, schemes, or intentions, whether they are of human origin or divine. The concept of devising is frequently associated with the moral and ethical dimensions of human actions, highlighting the contrast between righteous and wicked intentions.
Human Devises:The Bible frequently addresses the nature of human devises, often warning against the wickedness and futility of plans that are contrary to God's will. In
Proverbs 6:18, the heart that "devises wicked schemes" is listed among the things the Lord detests. This highlights the moral responsibility of individuals to align their intentions with righteousness.
Jeremiah 18:12 illustrates the stubbornness of the people of Judah, who said, "We will continue with our own plans; we will all follow the stubbornness of our evil hearts." This verse underscores the tendency of humanity to pursue their own desires, often in defiance of divine guidance.
Divine Devises:In contrast to human schemes, the Bible also speaks of God's devises, which are always righteous and ultimately for the good of His people. In
Isaiah 55:8-9, the Lord declares, "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways... As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts." This passage emphasizes the superiority and benevolence of God's plans compared to human understanding.
The account of Joseph in Genesis is a profound example of divine devises at work. Despite the evil intentions of his brothers, who sold him into slavery, Joseph later recognizes God's hand in the events, saying in
Genesis 50:20, "As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish a day like this—to preserve the lives of many people." This illustrates how God's sovereign plans can transform human evil into a greater good.
Moral and Ethical Implications:The Bible encourages believers to seek wisdom and understanding in their devises, aligning their plans with God's will.
Proverbs 16:3 advises, "Commit your works to the LORD, and your plans will be established." This verse suggests that when individuals entrust their plans to God, they can find success and fulfillment in accordance with His purposes.
Furthermore, the New Testament reinforces the importance of aligning one's intentions with God's will.
James 4:13-15 warns against boasting about future plans without considering God's sovereignty: "Instead, you ought to say, 'If the Lord is willing, we will live and do this or that.'" This passage reminds believers to remain humble and dependent on God's guidance in all their endeavors.
In summary, the concept of devises in the Bible serves as a reminder of the moral and spiritual dimensions of human planning. It calls for a recognition of God's ultimate authority and the need for individuals to align their intentions with His righteous purposes.
Strong's Hebrew
3289. yaats -- to advise, counsel... do you give (2), counsel you have given (1), counseled (7), Counselor (1), counselor
(10), counselors (11), decided (3), devised (2),
devises (2), formed (1
...2803. chashab -- to think, account
... 5), composed (1), consider (3), considered (13), counted (1), counts (1), designer
(1), determined (1), devise (13), devised (8),devises (1), devising (1...
2790a. charash -- to cut in, engrave, plow, devise
... root Definition to cut in, engrave, plow, devise NASB Word Usage devise (4),devises
(2), do (1), engraved (1), farmer plow (1), implements (1), plotting (1...
4209. mezimmah -- purpose, discretion, device
... Word Origin from zamam Definition purpose, discretion, device NASB Word Usagedevises
evil (1), discretion (5), evil devices (1), intent (1), plans (1), plot (1...
3335. yatsar -- to form, fashion
... root Definition to form, fashion NASB Word Usage Creator (1),devises (1), earthenware*
(1), fashion (1), fashioned (1), fashioning (2), fashions (1), formed...
Library
The Opinion whichDevises an Image of the Trinity in the Marriage...
... Book XII. Chapter 5."The Opinion WhichDevises an Image of the Trinity in
the Marriage of Male and Female, and in Their Offspring....
Whether Prudence Can be in Sinners?
... Thus man is called "a good robber," and in this way may speak of "a prudent robber,"
by way of similarity, because hedevises fitting ways of committing robbery...
God's Banished Ones
... those of God's way of treating criminals against His law, of whom she says that
He spares their lives, anddevises means-or, as the words might perhaps be...
All the Arguments, Indeed, which this Jew of Celsus Advances...
... Again, perverting the words of Jesus, he says, "And he terms him whodevises such
things, one Satan;" while one, applying this to Moses, might say, "And he...
Whether Heresy is a Species of Unbelief?
... Credendi i) that "a heretic is one who eitherdevises or follows false and new opinions,
for the sake of some temporal profit, especially that he may lord and...
Peculiarities of Tennessee Synod.
... By testamentarydevises from the people, as well as from noblemen and kings, by
the sales of indulgences and other inventions, the Church became exceedingly...
For Though a Man Should be by no Means Greatly Advantaged by...
... life that is destined to befall him according to his mind (let us suppose such a
case), nevertheless with the officious activity of men hedevises means for...
Moreover, Flies Falling into Myrrh, and Suffocated Therein, Make...
... exulting the while. But if any onedevises another's hurt, he forgets that
he is preparing a snare for himself first and alone. And he...
The Doctrines of Grace do not Lead to Sin
... Moved only by pity hedevises a plan for their rescue from sin and its
consequences"a plan in which grace is the leading feature....
Of the Respect Due to "Human Authority;" and of the Charges of "...
... a pseudo-prophecy, if it is a spiritual voice which institutes these your solemnities;
or else a heresy, if it is a human presumption whichdevises them." For...
Thesaurus
Devises (11 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Devises (11 Occurrences).
... Proverbs 6:14 in whose heart
is perverseness, who
devises evil continually, who always sows discord.
...Deviseth (12 Occurrences)
Mischief (64 Occurrences)
... (KJV DBY WBS). Proverbs 6:18 a heart thatdevises wicked schemes, feet that
are swift in running to mischief, (WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS)....
Outcast (6 Occurrences)
... Samuel 14:14 For we must die, and are as water split on the ground, which can't
be gathered up again; neither does God take away life, butdevises means, that...
Recovered (25 Occurrences)
... Samuel 14:14 For we must die, and are as water split on the ground, which can't
be gathered up again; neither does God take away life, butdevises means, that...
Residue (47 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) That part of a testator's estate which is not disposed of in his will by
particular and special legacies anddevises, and which remains after payment...
Estranged (12 Occurrences)
... Samuel 14:14 For we must die, and are as water split on the ground, which can't
be gathered up again; neither does God take away life, butdevises means, that...
Devices (43 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Isaiah 32:7 The ways of the scoundrel are evil. Hedevises wicked devices
to destroy the humble with lying words, even when the needy speaks right....
Discord (7 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Proverbs 6:14 in whose heart is perverseness, whodevises evil continually,
who always sows discord. (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS RSV)....
Devise (41 Occurrences)
... Samuel 14:14 For we must die, and are as water split on the ground, which can't
be gathered up again; neither does God take away life, butdevises means, that...
Resources
Does God hate gays / homosexuals? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that “no weapon formed against you shall prosper” (Isaiah 54:17)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of the Parable of the Prodigal Son? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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