5 The thoughts of the righteous 'are' justice, The counsels of the wicked—deceit.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Proverbs 12:5

Commentary on Proverbs 12:5

(Read Proverbs 12:5)

Thoughts are not free; they are under the Divine knowledge, therefore under the Divine command. It is a man's shame to act with deceit, with trick and design.