What other scriptures warn against deceit and its consequences? Setting the Context “Like cages full of birds, so their houses are full of deceit…” (Jeremiah 5:27). God exposes Judah’s hidden fraud, linking deceit with ill-gotten power and wealth. Scripture repeats this warning from cover to cover. Snapshots from Wisdom Literature • Proverbs 12:19 – “Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.” • Proverbs 12:22 – “Lying lips are detestable to the LORD, but faithful people are His delight.” • Proverbs 20:17 – “Food gained by fraud is sweet to a man, but later his mouth is full of gravel.” • Psalm 101:7 – “No one who practices deceit shall dwell in my house…” ➔ Deceit looks profitable at first, yet God promises it will crumble and exclude the practicer from His presence. Voices from the Prophets • Hosea 4:1-2 – The land is charged with “lying, murder, stealing,” leading to widespread ruin. • Micah 6:12 – “Your residents speak lies, and their tongues are deceitful…”; judgment follows. ➔ Prophets tie national collapse directly to entrenched falsehood. Instruction from Jesus and the Apostles • John 8:44 – Jesus calls the devil “a liar and the father of lies,” marking deceit as satanic. • Acts 5:3 – “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit?” Immediate death shows God’s zeal for truth. • Ephesians 4:25 – “Put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor.” • Colossians 3:9-10 – “Do not lie to one another, since you have taken off the old self…” • 1 Peter 3:10 – “Keep…lips from deceitful speech” to “love life and see good days.” ➔ New-covenant believers are called to open, honest relationships that reflect Christ’s nature. Eternal Consequences of Deceit • Revelation 21:8 – “All liars” share the lake of fire. • Revelation 22:15 – Outside the New Jerusalem are “everyone who loves and practices falsehood.” ➔ Final judgment seals the fate of unrepentant deceivers, underscoring the seriousness heaven places on truth. Living Truthfully Today • Deceit may promise quick gain, but Scripture insists it brings gravel in the mouth, broken fellowship, and ultimate judgment. • Truth aligns us with God, delights His heart, strengthens community, and secures eternal blessing. |
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