Sin has deep roots and inevitably produces harmful results.
David, who reigned as King of Israel from approximately 1010 BC to 970 BC, observes the nature of evil in Psalm 7:14 when he says, “Behold, he travails with wickedness, And he conceives mischief and brings forth falsehood” (v.14). Here, David personifies the malicious individual as one who deliberately “travails with wickedness,” indicating an intense labor to bring about harm. Just as physical travail involves pain and exertion, this imagery underscores how evil is not casually produced but carefully fostered. In his prayerful plea, David affirms that deceit does not simply appear; it arises when the heart meditates on wrongdoing.
The phrase, “he conceives mischief and brings forth falsehood” (v.14), enlarges this image of premeditated sin. David likens the evil heart to a womb that nurtures wicked plans, eventually giving birth to lies. This process underscores the progression of sin, reminiscent of the theme found throughout Scripture that wrongdoing typically grows from small, hidden seeds of intent (James 1:14-15). In other words, sin often begins in hidden places—our thoughts or private desires—and then emerges to cause public damage.
Through this verse, David not only calls attention to the destructive results of sin but also points us toward the reality that God is ultimately aware and just. Jesus addresses a similar principle when He teaches that sinful acts stem from what lies within the heart (Matthew 15:19). The Psalmist’s message walks in harmony with the broader scriptural warning that secret corruption eventually manifests, and only God’s righteousness can expose and heal the brokenness within.
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Psalms 7:14 meaning
David, who reigned as King of Israel from approximately 1010 BC to 970 BC, observes the nature of evil in Psalm 7:14 when he says, “Behold, he travails with wickedness, And he conceives mischief and brings forth falsehood” (v.14). Here, David personifies the malicious individual as one who deliberately “travails with wickedness,” indicating an intense labor to bring about harm. Just as physical travail involves pain and exertion, this imagery underscores how evil is not casually produced but carefully fostered. In his prayerful plea, David affirms that deceit does not simply appear; it arises when the heart meditates on wrongdoing.
The phrase, “he conceives mischief and brings forth falsehood” (v.14), enlarges this image of premeditated sin. David likens the evil heart to a womb that nurtures wicked plans, eventually giving birth to lies. This process underscores the progression of sin, reminiscent of the theme found throughout Scripture that wrongdoing typically grows from small, hidden seeds of intent (James 1:14-15). In other words, sin often begins in hidden places—our thoughts or private desires—and then emerges to cause public damage.
Through this verse, David not only calls attention to the destructive results of sin but also points us toward the reality that God is ultimately aware and just. Jesus addresses a similar principle when He teaches that sinful acts stem from what lies within the heart (Matthew 15:19). The Psalmist’s message walks in harmony with the broader scriptural warning that secret corruption eventually manifests, and only God’s righteousness can expose and heal the brokenness within.