Topical Encyclopedia Deceitfulness is a pervasive theme in the Bible, often associated with sin and the fallen nature of humanity. It is characterized by the act of misleading or concealing the truth, and it stands in stark contrast to the nature of God, who is described as truth itself. The Bible warns against deceit and highlights its destructive consequences on both individuals and communities.Old Testament Insights The Old Testament frequently addresses deceit as a manifestation of sin. In the book of Jeremiah, the prophet laments the deceitful nature of the human heart: "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?" (Jeremiah 17:9). This verse underscores the inherent tendency towards deceit within human nature, a result of the fall. The account of Jacob and Esau provides a vivid example of deceit. Jacob, whose name itself means "supplanter" or "deceiver," tricks his father Isaac into giving him the blessing intended for Esau (Genesis 27). This act of deceit leads to familial strife and long-term consequences, illustrating how deceit can disrupt relationships and lead to further sin. Wisdom Literature The wisdom literature of the Old Testament also addresses deceit. Proverbs warns against the use of deceitful words and actions: "A lying tongue hates those it crushes, and a flattering mouth causes ruin" (Proverbs 26:28). This proverb highlights the destructive power of deceitful speech, which can harm others and ultimately lead to one's downfall. New Testament Teachings In the New Testament, deceit is similarly condemned. Jesus Himself warns against deceitful practices, emphasizing the importance of sincerity and truthfulness. In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus criticizes the Pharisees for their hypocrisy, which is a form of deceit: "These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me" (Mark 7:6). Here, deceit is linked to a disconnect between outward actions and inward intentions. The apostle Paul also addresses deceit in his epistles. In Ephesians, he exhorts believers to "put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor" (Ephesians 4:25). Paul emphasizes the transformative power of truth in the life of a believer, contrasting it with the old self, which is characterized by deceitful desires (Ephesians 4:22). Spiritual Warfare Deceit is also a tactic of spiritual warfare. Satan, described as the "father of lies" (John 8:44), uses deceit to lead people away from God. The apostle Peter warns believers to be vigilant against such deceit: "Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour" (1 Peter 5:8). This imagery underscores the danger of deceit and the need for spiritual discernment. The Call to Truthfulness Throughout Scripture, believers are called to reject deceit and embrace truth. The psalmist prays, "Keep me from deceitful ways; be gracious to me through Your law" (Psalm 119:29), expressing a desire for divine guidance in living a life of integrity. The call to truthfulness is not merely a moral obligation but a reflection of the character of God, who is "a God of truth and without iniquity" (Deuteronomy 32:4). In summary, deceit is a significant aspect of sin that the Bible addresses with seriousness and urgency. It is a distortion of truth that leads to broken relationships, spiritual harm, and separation from God. Believers are encouraged to pursue truth and integrity, reflecting the nature of God in their lives. Torrey's Topical Textbook Hebrews 3:13But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. Torrey's Topical Textbook Greek 4106. plane -- a wandering ... error (deception) which results in (roaming into sin). See 4105 (). Word Origin fem. of planos Definition a wandering NASB Word Usage deceitful (1), deception ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4106.htm - 7k Library "And if any Man Sin, we have an Advocate with the Father,", The True Improvement of Life. Part 2 the True Improvement of Life. Ps. 90:12:00 Whether Flattery is a Mortal Sin? Whether Divination is a Sin? Whether Irony is a Less Grievous Sin than Boasting? The Holy Spirit Convicting the World of Sin, of Righteousness and ... Whether Guile is a Sin Pertaining to Craftiness? How those who Think that they are Without Sin are Like Purblind ... Earthly Prospects Deceitful. Resources What is the definition of sin? | GotQuestions.orgThe Study of Sin ' Article Index | GotQuestions.org If Jesus paid the price for our sin, why do we still suffer the consequences of our sin? | GotQuestions.org Sin: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Sin in Believers is a Reproach to the Lord Sin is the Transgression of the Law Sin Money: General Scriptures Concerning Sin: Aggravated by Neglecting Advantages Sin: All Men are Conceived and Born In Sin: All the Imaginations of the Unrenewed Heart Are Sin: Blessings Withheld on Account of Sin: Christ Was Manifested to Take Away Sin: Christ's Blood Cleanses From Sin: Christ's Blood Redeems From Sin: Confusion of Face Belongs to Those Guilty of Sin: Consequences of, Entailed Upon Children Sin: Desert of, a Wilderness Between Elim and Sinai: Counted In Sin: Desert of, a Wilderness Between Elim and Sinai: Manna and Quail Given In Sin: Desert of, a Wilderness Between Elim and Sinai: The Complaint for Bread In Sin: Desert of, a Wilderness Between Elim and Sinai: The People of Israel Journey Through Sin: Entered Into the World by Adam Sin: God Has Opened a Fountain For Sin: God is Provoked to Anger By Sin: God is Provoked to Jealousy By Sin: If we Say That we Have No, we Make God a Liar Sin: Ministers should Warn the Wicked to Forsake Sin: No Escape from the Consequences of Sin: No Man Can Cleanse Himself From Sin: Not Counted Against Righteous People Sin: Omission of What we Know to be Good Is Sin: Paul's Discussion of the Responsibility For Sin: Repugnant to Righteous People Sin: Saints: Abhor Themselves on Account of Sin: Saints: Ashamed of Having Committed Sin: Saints: Have Yet the Remains of, in Them Sin: Saints: Profess to Have Ceased From Sin: Scripture Concludes all Under Sin: Shall Find out the Wicked Sin: should be Avoided Even in Appearance Sin: should be Guarded Against Sin: should be Striven Against Sin: should be Wholly Destroyed Sin: Sometimes Open and Manifest Sin: Specially Strive Against Besetting Sin: The Abominable Thing That God Hates Sin: The Fear of God Restrains Sin: The Ground Was Cursed on Account of Sin: The Holy Spirit Convinces of Sin: The Law by Its Strictness Stirs Up Sin: The Law is the Strength of Sin: The Law is Transgressed by Every Sin: The Law: Curses Those Guilty of Sin: The Law: Gives Knowledge of Sin: The Law: Made to Restrain Sin: The Law: Shows Exceeding Sinfulness of Sin: The Thought of Foolishness Is Sin: The Wicked: Cannot Cease From Sin: The Wicked: Defy God in Committing Sin: The Wicked: Delight in Those Who Commit Sin: The Wicked: Encourage Themselves In Sin: The Wicked: Encouraged In, by Prosperity Sin: The Wicked: Expect Impunity In Sin: The Wicked: Guilty of, in Everything They Do Sin: The Wicked: Led by Despair to Continue In Sin: The Wicked: Make a Mock At Sin: The Wicked: Plead Necessity For Sin: The Wicked: Shall Bear the Shame of Sin: The Wicked: Tempt Others To Sin: The Wicked: Throw the Blame of, on God Sin: The Wicked: Throw the Blame of, on Others Sin: The Wicked: Try to Conceal, from God Sin: The Word of God Keeps From Sin: Toil and Sorrow Originated In Sin: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To, Defining and Illustrating Sin: we should Pray to God: To Cleanse Us From Sin: we should Pray to God: To Deliver Us From Sin: we should Pray to God: To Forgive Our Sin: we should Pray to God: To Keep Us From Sin: we should Pray to God: To Make Us Know Our Sin: we should Pray to God: To Search For, in Our Hearts Sin: Whatever is not of Faith Is Sin: when Finished Brings Forth Death Related Terms Sin-offering (115 Occurrences) |
    |