The term "underhanded" refers to actions characterized by deceit, trickery, or dishonesty. In the context of the Bible, underhanded behavior is often associated with sin and moral failure, as it contradicts the principles of truth, integrity, and righteousness that are central to biblical teaching.

Biblical Examples of Underhanded Behavior:

1. Jacob and Esau: One of the most notable examples of underhanded behavior in the Bible is the account of Jacob and Esau. Jacob, with the help of his mother Rebekah, deceives his father Isaac to receive the blessing meant for his brother Esau. This act of deceit is recorded in Genesis 27:35, where Isaac says, "Your brother came deceitfully and took your blessing." Although Jacob later becomes a patriarch of Israel, his early actions are marked by underhanded tactics.

2. Laban's Deception: Laban, Jacob's uncle, also engages in underhanded behavior. He deceives Jacob by substituting Leah for Rachel on Jacob's wedding night, forcing Jacob to work an additional seven years to marry Rachel, as described in Genesis 29:25-27. Laban's actions demonstrate the familial cycle of deceit and manipulation.

3. Judas Iscariot: In the New Testament, Judas Iscariot's betrayal of Jesus is a profound example of underhandedness. Judas agrees to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver, as noted in Matthew 26:14-16. His actions are a stark contrast to the loyalty and faithfulness expected of a disciple.

4. Ananias and Sapphira: In Acts 5:1-11, Ananias and Sapphira attempt to deceive the early church by withholding part of the proceeds from the sale of their property while claiming to donate the entire amount. Their deceit is exposed by the Apostle Peter, and they face severe consequences for their underhanded actions.

Biblical Teachings Against Underhandedness:

The Bible consistently condemns deceit and underhanded behavior. Proverbs 12:22 states, "Lying lips are detestable to the LORD, but those who deal faithfully are His delight." This verse underscores the importance of honesty and integrity in the eyes of God.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul admonishes believers to live uprightly. In 2 Corinthians 4:2, he writes, "Instead, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not practice deceit, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by open proclamation of the truth, we commend ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God." This passage highlights the call for transparency and truthfulness in the Christian life.

Moral and Spiritual Implications:

Underhanded behavior is not only a violation of ethical standards but also a spiritual failing. It reflects a lack of trust in God's provision and a reliance on human cunning. The Bible encourages believers to trust in the Lord and to act with integrity, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."

Ultimately, the Bible calls for a life of honesty and integrity, rejecting underhanded tactics in favor of righteousness and truth.1. (a.) Sneaky; deceptive; clandestine; as underhanded negotiating tricks.

2. (a.) Insufficiently provided with hands or workers; short-handed; sparsely populated.

The Conflict with Evil
... But when a man for years has gone for profit and selfish power, you can trust
him as a general thing to do what is underhanded and mean. ...
/.../rauschenbusch/the social principles of jesus/chapter x the conflict with.htm

The Melitians and the Arians Agree in Sentiment; Eusebius and ...
... they individually denied one another's tenets, yet they dissimulated in contradiction
of their own view, in order to attain an underhanded agreement in the ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of sozomenus/chapter xxi the melitians and the.htm

Introduction.
... there was only one witness), I should rather seem guilty in the eyes of those who
would readily credit his denial, either of an underhanded falsification, or ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 1 introduction.htm

Visitors and Pastimes
... This caused them to try many underhanded tricks and encouraged them to bet and gamble;
and in course of time they had exchanged as wagers the greater part of ...
/.../byrum/how john became a man/chapter vi visitors and pastimes.htm

Chapter xl
... He may in view of the underhanded way in which the transaction was carried
through by his brothers well say that he was stolen. 16, 17. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xl.htm

Underhanded (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Sneaky; deceptive; clandestine; as underhanded
negotiating tricks. ... Multi-Version Concordance Underhanded (1 Occurrence). ...
/u/underhanded.htm - 7k

Undermine (1 Occurrence)
... 1. (vt) To excavate the earth beneath; to subvert by indirect, secret, or underhanded
means; to form a mine under; to sap; as, to undermine a wall. ...
/u/undermine.htm - 7k

Underlies (1 Occurrence)

/u/underlies.htm - 6k

Undergrowth (2 Occurrences)

/u/undergrowth.htm - 7k

What does it mean to live by the sword and die by the sword? | GotQuestions.org

Underhanded: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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