Bridges on Proverbs 14:22
 
 
Charles Bridges on Proverbs 14:22
 
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22.  Do they not err that devise evil? but mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good.
 
Scripture traces actions to principles. Wicked as it is to do evil, it is far more hateful to devise it. (See verse 17.) Devising is the incipient working of the principle. Devising evil therefore, if it comes not to the act, shews the purpose. (Chapter 24:8.) They may be men of consummate wisdom in other matters; but here at least do they not err? They miss either their object, or their anticipated happiness from it. Witness the shame of the Babel-builders (Genesis 11:9); the confusion of Haman's device (Esther 7:10); the over-ruling of the wicked plot against our beloved Lord. (Psalm 2:1-4. Matthew 21:41-44.) How did the devisers thwart their own purpose to their fearful cost! How little did Judas estimate the result of his devising of evil — “A little matter kindling an unquenchable fire!” (Matthew 26:14-16; 27:3-5.)
Children of God! Do you exhibit the same diligence and determination in devising good? Even if your fruit be frustrated, your work will be accepted. (1 Kings 8:18.) Mercy and truth are often set out as reward of grace, the cheering encouragement to practical godliness. What can be more joyous than the glorious perfections of Jehovah, pouring into the soul the quickening energy of Divine blessing; mercy the fountain-head, truth the pledge and fulfillment of unchangeable mercy!
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Proverbs 14:17
17 ¶ He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated.
 
 
Proverbs 24:8
8 He that deviseth to do evil shall be called a mischievous person.
 
 
Genesis 11:9
9 Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the LORD did there confound the language of all the earth: and from thence did the LORD scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth. {Babel: that is, Confusion}
 
 
Esther 7:10
10 So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then was the king's wrath pacified.
 
 
Psalm 2:1-4
1 ¶ Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? {rage: or, tumultuously assemble} {imagine: Heb. meditate} 2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying, 3 Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us. 4 He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.
 
Matthew 21:41-44
41 They say unto him, He will miserably destroy those wicked men, and will let out his vineyard unto other husbandmen, which shall render him the fruits in their seasons. 42 Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes? 43 Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof. 44 And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.
 
 
Matthew 26:14-16
14 ¶ Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests, 15 And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver. 16 And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him.
 
Matthew 27:3-5
3 Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, 4 Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that. 5 And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself.
 
 
1 Kings 8:18
18 And the LORD said unto David my father, Whereas it was in thine heart to build an house unto my name, thou didst well that it was in thine heart.
 
 
Footnote:
Genesis 24:27. 2 Samuel 15:20. Psalm 25:10; 61:7; 117:2. Micah 7:20. ‘Note’ — says an old expositor — ‘that Solomon here is no lawgiver, but an evangelist, leading us unto Jesus Christ. For we can obtain no mercy but in him only. For “the promises of God are yea and amen in him.” — Cope in loco.
 

 
Genesis 24:27
27 And he said, Blessed be the LORD God of my master Abraham, who hath not left destitute my master of his mercy and his truth: I being in the way, the LORD led me to the house of my master's brethren.
 
2 Samuel 15:20
20 Whereas thou camest but yesterday, should I this day make thee go up and down with us? seeing I go whither I may, return thou, and take back thy brethren: mercy and truth be with thee. {go up...: Heb. wander in going}
 
Psalm 25:10
10 All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.
 
Psalm 61:7
7 He shall abide before God for ever: O prepare mercy and truth, which may preserve him.
 
Psalm 117:2
2 For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD endureth for ever. Praise ye the LORD.
 
Micah 7:20
20 Thou wilt perform the truth to Jacob, and the mercy to Abraham, which thou hast sworn unto our fathers from the days of old.