“A scoundrel plots evil, and on their lips it is like a scorching fire.”‬‬

Plotting evil means to dig it up. It means this person is digging up things to create a pit for another to fall into. Sometimes what they dig up is true but often it’s fake and always it’s inappropriate and designed to damage the other person. I suspect most of us have experienced this at some point in our lives. During decades of youth ministry I watched this kind of behavior damage and occasionally destroy teenagers. I’ve also seen adults do the same thing. Rumors, gossip and other evil slander never produces God’s will. The phrase ‘like a scorching fire’ literally means “set on fire by hell itself”. Now there is an awful thought. The scoundrel referred to in this verse is better translated as an evil or ungodly person. If the source of their motivation and the words they speak are from “hell itself” they certainly are not the kind of men and women we want in our lives. One of the dangers they present is the temptation to repeat what they say. Scripture clearly tells us this person will eventually fall in the pit they themselves are digging for another. Today guard your ears and watch your mouth. #BeTheEdge

“Set a guard over my mouth, LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips.” Psalm 141:3 NIV