Topical Bible: Deceit: The Wicked: Increase In

◄ Deceit: The Wicked: Increase In ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Deceit, as a concept, is frequently addressed in the Bible, often associated with the behavior of the wicked. The Scriptures provide numerous insights into how deceit is not only a characteristic of the wicked but also how it tends to increase among them.

Biblical Definition and Context

Deceit is generally understood as the act of misleading or lying to others. It is a deliberate attempt to distort the truth for personal gain or to harm others. In the biblical context, deceit is often linked with sin and unrighteousness, standing in stark contrast to the truth and integrity that God desires from His people.

Scriptural References

1. Psalm 10:7 · "His mouth is full of cursing, deceit, and violence; trouble and malice are under his tongue." This verse describes the wicked as having mouths filled with deceit, indicating that deceit is a natural expression of their corrupt nature.

2. Proverbs 12:5 · "The plans of the righteous are just, but the counsel of the wicked leads to deceit." Here, the contrast between the righteous and the wicked is highlighted, with the wicked's counsel inherently leading to deceit.

3. Jeremiah 9:5-6 · "Each one deceives his neighbor; no one speaks the truth. They have taught their tongues to speak lies; they weary themselves with iniquity. You dwell in the midst of deception; in their deceit they refuse to know Me, declares the LORD." This passage illustrates how deceit becomes pervasive among the wicked, to the point where it becomes a societal norm, and they reject the knowledge of God.

4. Romans 3:13 · "Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit. The venom of vipers is on their lips." The Apostle Paul, quoting from the Psalms, emphasizes the destructive nature of deceit as a characteristic of those who have turned away from God.

Characteristics of Deceit Among the Wicked

· Pervasiveness: Deceit is not an isolated act but becomes a habitual practice among the wicked. It infiltrates their speech, actions, and even their thoughts.

· Destructive Nature: Deceit leads to harm and destruction, both for the deceiver and those who are deceived. It breaks down trust and fosters an environment of suspicion and hostility.

· Rejection of Truth: The increase of deceit among the wicked is often accompanied by a rejection of truth and a refusal to acknowledge God. This rejection further entrenches them in their wickedness.

· Self-Deception: The wicked may also deceive themselves, believing their own lies and justifying their actions, which leads to a deeper entrenchment in sin.

Moral and Spiritual Implications

The increase of deceit among the wicked has significant moral and spiritual implications. It reflects a heart that is far from God and a life that is not aligned with His truth. The Bible consistently warns against deceit and calls believers to live lives marked by truth and integrity, in contrast to the ways of the wicked.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Timothy 3:13
But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Whether Temporal Goods Can be Merited
... that temporal goods are merited; just as increase of grace ... moving, not because of
their connection with wilful deceit. ... to the good and to the wicked as regards ...
/.../aquinas/nature and grace/article ten whether temporal goods.htm

The Teaching of Matthew 13 Proves that no Era of Millennial ...
... the world," completely failed to bring forth any increase. ... introduction of the children
of the Wicked One among ... 2). But both "craftiness" and "deceit" did mark ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/2 the teaching of matthew.htm

On the Holy Martyr, S. Babylas.
... longer the time is, the more the interest will increase. ... nature polluting; but that
everywhere a wicked and perverted ... But the words of these, a deceit, and a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chrysostom/on the priesthood/on the holy martyr s.htm

Letter clxii. To Leo Augustus.
... The wicked designs of heretics must be stedfastly resisted ... and persistently avoid
what heretical deceit is striving ... perfection admits of no increase nor fulness ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/letter clxii to leo augustus.htm

Recapitulation of Former Exhortations. ...
... from our sorrow, but we also increase the force ... of My Providence, didst thou esteem
a wicked and pestiferous ... engagement, and a promise full of deceit, as more ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily vii recapitulation of former.htm

Eighth Commandment
... of God""Thou has taken usury and increase, and thou ... I count them pure with the wicked
balances, and ... the shekel great, and falsifying the balances by deceit? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/weighed and wanting/eighth commandment.htm

Psalm CIX.
... because the hatred which was covered by deceit burst out ... them, and without a guardian,
nevertheless increase amid trouble ... to be the child of the wicked, by not ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cix.htm

2 Timothy iii. 4-Jan
... how then does he say elsewhere, "They will increase unto more ... deceit, for who would
choose to die for a deceit? ... for man, in his warfare with the wicked, not to ...
/.../homily viii 2 timothy iii.htm

On the Fast of the Seventh Month, vi.
... deceive you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to ... ungodly doctrines they
may boast of increase in numbers ... your heart and reject the wicked lies of ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/leo/writings of leo the great/sermon xci on the fast.htm

What Subjects are to be Handled in the Following Discourse.
... to grant to them that their empire might increase. ... aiding them, greatly injured them
by guile and deceit. ... having refuted the gainsaying of the wicked with such ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 36 what subjects are to.htm