Brings Evil to Pass

Proverbs 16:30 He shutted his eyes to devise froward things: moving his lips he brings evil to pass. 

This verse continues the description of the violent and corrupt man from the previous passage (16:29). It offers a powerful insight into how sin is not impulsive – it is mostly premeditated.

‘He shutted his eyes to devise froward things.’ This phrase pictures a man closing his eyes – not in prayer or rest – but in deep, dark meditation. He is intentionally withdrawing into his thoughts to plan evil. The act of shutting his eyes symbolises his turning inward to focus entirely on how he can carry out twisted, perverse deeds. The word “forward” means morally crooked, rebellious, or perverted. So this is not merely someone acting in the moment – this is a man who deliberately schemes to do wrong. He imagines, strategises, and carefully lays out a plan for deception, harm, or rebellion. This kind of sin is calculated, not careless. It grows in the heart and mind long before it’s acted out. As Jesus taught, sin begins in the heart (Mark 7:21-23). When someone shuts their eyes to truth, conscience, and wisdom, they make room for darkness to grow within.

‘Moving his lips, he brings evil to pass.’ The next stage in the process is speech. What was hidden in the mind now comes out through the mouth – whether in lies, manipulation, or destructive commands. Evil begins as a thought, but it often takes root and spreads through words. This verse reveals that his words are not accidental – they are calculated and aligned with his inner schemes. The lips move, and the plan takes shape. He speaks in ways that stir up trouble, corrupt others, or put his wicked plans into action.

This verse is a warning against willful sin – not just acts of weakness, but intentional rebellion against God. It’s a call to examine not just our actions, but our thought life. What are we allowing ourselves to dwell on in secret? What plans do we entertain when no one is watching? As believers, we are called to be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Rom. 12:2), not given to meditating on evil. “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer” (Ps. 19:14).