“Do not those who plot evil go astray? But those who plan what is good find love and faithfulness.” (Proverbs 14:22)

Proverbs is stocked full of nuggets, each worthy of our time and attention. So before diving right into today’s verse, let’s take a quick look at the origin story of the book’s author. In 1 Kings Chapter 3, we learn that the young and now king of Israel was feeling ill-equipped to handle his new role. Solomon turned to God for help, and pleaded his case saying that he lacked the knowledge to lead God’s people. “So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?” – 1 Kings 3:9. God’s response to this request was met with great approval. “The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. So God said to him, ‘Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be.’” – 1 Kings 3:10-12.

Now we know that even with this gift of discernment, Solomon didn’t always make wise choices, but he did impart a great deal of his God given wisdom to words – the book of Proverbs. And so we take a look at one such verse, Proverbs 14:22. Its simplicity is its greatness. Those who spend their time chasing after evil will eventually find it. But those who love the Lord, and devote themselves to good, will “find love and faithfulness.” Living a good, clean life is attractive. Meaning you will likely pull those who also are living for God closer to you reinforcing God’s principles among the group. So finding love and faithfulness is not a coincidence, it is a result for those who plan good.