Proverbs 14:22

Do not those who devise ¹  evil go astray? But those who plan good exhibit ²  faithful covenant love. ³ 

Do not those who plot evil go astray? But those who plan what is good find love and faithfulness.

Will they not go astray who devise evil? But kindness and truth will be to those who devise good.

If you plot evil, you will be lost; but if you plan good, you will be granted unfailing love and faithfulness.

Isn't it obvious that conspirators lose out, while the thoughtful win love and trust?

Will not the designers of evil come into error? But mercy and good faith are for the designers of good.

Do they not err that plan evil? Those who plan good find loyalty and faithfulness.

Do they not go astray who devise evil? But mercy and truth belong to those who devise good.

Do not those who devise ¹  evil go astray? But those who plan good exhibit ²  faithful covenant love. ³ 

¹ sn The verb חָרַשׁ (kharash) means (1) literally: “to cut in; to engrave; to plow,” describing the work of a craftsman; and (2) figuratively: “to devise,” describing the mental activity of planning evil (what will harm people) in the first colon, and planning good (what will benefit them) in the second colon.

² tn The term “exhibit” does not appear in the Hebrew, but is supplied in the translation for clarity and smoothness.

³ tn Heb “loyal-love and truth.” The two terms חֶסֶד וֶאֱמֶת (khesed ve’emet) often form a hendiadys: “faithful love” or better “faithful covenant love.”