Our minds would spin in overwhelmingness if we knew the thoughts of the wicked on his bed (Micah 2:1). The plans, the purposes, and the pernicious problems the wicked mull over are at the depth of sinfulness. Much worse, is when some cannot sleep unless they do evil (Proverbs 4:16; cf. Psalm 36:4). God calls such people mischievous (Proverbs 24:8).
An Explanation. Let us break down the phrase: “An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations.” “An heart.” Hearts are the steering wheels of the body. Some use their hearts for good, while these people use them for wickedness. They have hardened hearts without feeling (Ephesians 4:18-19). Many thoughts reside in the heart; however, “The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD” (Proverbs 15:26). “deviseth.” The Hebrew word is translated “plow” and “plowed” in other verses. These ones dig deep into the ground of wickedness to plant their root of evil plans. They are constantly on the lookout for “new” ways to sin (Romans 1:30). It was Whitside who said, “There are now more ways to sin than ever before in the world’s history and the end is not yet.” “wicked imaginations.” The ESV reads “wicked plans.” From revenge, to lust, to greed, to murder, to thievery, etc., these plans of the wicked are not a few. They are always on their mind, and they cannot go a day without attempting to find some new way to accomplish their evil plans. These are the ones about whom Paul talks in Romans 1:28, having a “reprobate” mind. Their minds are so corrupt and filled with evil that an ounce of goodness cannot be found.
An Illustration (Genesis 6:5).
Moses recorded, “And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually” (Genesis 6:5). The antediluvian world was punished for a reason. Our world today is far from the world of Noah’s day. Every man (besides Noah and probably his family) had evil in his mind every day. Imagine a world where evil is not just committed on the weekends, but on the weekdays. Imagine a time when men could only think wickedly. From this time period, we learn that when men cannot cease from pondering evil, God’s patience runs out quickly. Although our world may not be in the same place as it was in Noah’s day, it may get there one day if men are not careful.
Applicational Reminders. God would have us watch our hearts so that we may control our actions. We should:
Be careful of specific sins upon which man commonly dwells. Some sins are meditated upon more deeply. Young people be careful of sexual sins (cf. 2 Timothy 2:22), women heed the warning of gossip (1 Timothy 5:13), and men don’t dwell on revenge (Romans 12:17-21). It is best to stop the thought of sin at the beginning before it rolls down the hill.
Have a heart that deviseth good things (Philippians 4:8). It is possible to “hold fast that which is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21). Paul’s list of eight things should be studied, meditated upon, and be the replacement for all things evil.
Stay busy. Paul wrote, “And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you” (1 Thessalonians 4:11). Evil hearts start first as idle hearts. Having a busy heart keeps one from meditating on sinful things.
Our thoughts come and go and sometimes spontaneous thoughts appear without our acceptance of them. We must remember that we cannot keep birds from flying over our head, but we can stop them from making a nest in our hair. Those who imagine wicked things make room for big birds that ultimately will destroy their souls.
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