12:20
Notice the parallel parts that contrast in meaning:
20a
Deceit is in the hearts of those who devise evil,
20b but the counselors of peace have joy.
The contrast between 12:20a and 12:20b is not exact. The first line talks about the purpose of people who plot evil. Their purpose is deceit. The second line talks about the result in the lives of people who promote peace. The result is joy.
12:20a
Deceit is in the hearts of those who devise evil: There are two ways to interpret this statement:
(1) Those who plot evil intend to deceive others. For example:
Those who plan evil are full of lies (New Century Version)
(2) Those who plot evil deceive themselves. For example:
Those who plot evil delude themselves (Revised English Bible)
It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1). In Proverbs, the term Deceit most frequently refers to deceiving others (for example, see 12:5b, 12:17b).
devise evil: The word evil frequently refers to moral evil, but it may also refer to trouble or harm (see 12:21b). The phrase devise evil probably refers here to plans or schemes to harm someone else.
12:20b
the counselors of peace: The Hebrew phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates literally as counselors of peace refers to anyone who advises, promotes, or works toward peace. In this context, peace refers mainly to peaceful relationships or well-being among the people in a community. (See the note on 3:2b.)
joy: Other words that express the meaning of joy include “gladness” and “happiness.”
Another way to translate this line is:
but those who work for good will find happiness (Good News Translation)
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