How can we guard against deceit in our daily lives, as Job describes? Setting the Scene Job pauses in his defense with a bold self-examination: “If I have walked in falsehood or my foot has hurried to deceit,” (Job 31:5). He welcomes God’s scrutiny because he is committed to absolute truthfulness. His example shows that guarding against deceit is both an interior resolve and an active lifestyle. Job’s Resolve against Deceit • He invites inspection—nothing hidden. • He treats deceit as a path, not merely an isolated slip; one step leads to another. • He acts quickly: “hurried” implies speed. Job refuses to linger where dishonesty starts. Practical Steps to Guard Our Hearts • Saturate your mind with Scripture – “I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You.” (Psalm 119:11) • Examine motives daily – Ask, “Am I angling for advantage or honoring Christ?” • Speak truth promptly – “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor.” (Ephesians 4:25) • Embrace accountability – A trusted friend can point out blind spots before they become patterns. • Avoid compromising influences – “Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’” (1 Colossians 15:33) • Keep short accounts with God – Regular confession prevents small deceits from hardening the heart. Companions on the Journey: Supporting Scriptures • Proverbs 4:23—“Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life.” • Psalm 101:2—“I will walk with integrity of heart in my house.” • Colossians 3:9—“Do not lie to one another, since you have taken off the old self.” • 2 Corinthians 8:21—“For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only before the Lord but also before men.” Spotting Deceptive Paths Early Watch for warning lights: – Rationalizing “small” exaggerations. – Concealing details to shape opinions. – Shifting blame when confronted. – Consistent half-truths on social media. Catch these early, repent, and replace them with open honesty. Walking in Truth Daily 1. Begin the day acknowledging Christ as “the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6). 2. Invite the Holy Spirit to “guide you into all truth” (John 16:13). 3. Measure words by James 1:19—quick to listen, slow to speak. 4. Close the day with Psalm 139:23-24, asking God to reveal any hidden waywardness. Blessings of a Deception-Free Life • Freedom from the fear of exposure. • Clear conscience that fuels joyful worship. • Credibility that draws others to Christ. • Confidence on judgment day, echoing Job’s boldness. Following Job’s pattern, we fight deceit by staying transparent before God, saturated with His Word, supported by honest companions, and quick to correct course. Truth then becomes not just a principle we affirm but a path we walk every day. |
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