The term "devious" refers to behavior that is deceitful, underhanded, or not straightforward. In the context of the Bible, deviousness is often associated with sin, wickedness, and the ways of the unrighteous. The Scriptures provide numerous examples and warnings against devious behavior, emphasizing the importance of integrity and honesty in the life of a believer.

Biblical References:

1. Proverbs 2:15 · "whose paths are crooked, and whose ways are devious." This verse highlights the nature of those who stray from the path of righteousness. The devious are characterized by their crooked paths, symbolizing a life that is not aligned with God's truth and wisdom.

2. Proverbs 6:12-14 · "A worthless person, a wicked man, walks with a perverse mouth, winking with his eyes, speaking with his feet, and pointing with his fingers. With deceit in his heart he devises evil; he continually sows discord." Here, the devious person is described as one who uses deceit and manipulation to achieve their ends. Their actions are a reflection of a heart that is not aligned with God's righteousness.

3. Proverbs 11:3 · "The integrity of the upright guides them, but the perversity of the faithless destroys them." This verse contrasts the integrity of the upright with the deviousness of the faithless. The devious are ultimately led to destruction by their own perverse ways.

4. Jeremiah 17:9 · "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?" This passage underscores the inherent deceitfulness of the human heart, which can lead to devious behavior. It serves as a reminder of the need for divine intervention and transformation through God's grace.

5. Psalm 101:4 · "A perverse heart shall depart from me; I will know no evil." The psalmist expresses a commitment to reject deviousness and maintain a heart that is pure and aligned with God's will.

Theological Insights:

Deviousness is often linked to the broader concept of sin in the Bible. It is a manifestation of the fallen human nature that seeks to achieve selfish goals through dishonest means. The Bible consistently warns against such behavior, urging believers to pursue righteousness and integrity.

The devious person is often contrasted with the righteous, who are guided by truth and integrity. The Scriptures teach that while deviousness may offer temporary gains, it ultimately leads to destruction and separation from God. In contrast, those who walk in integrity are promised guidance and protection from the Lord.

Practical Application:

Believers are called to examine their hearts and actions to ensure they align with God's standards of truth and righteousness. This involves rejecting deceitful practices and embracing honesty in all dealings. The Bible encourages believers to seek wisdom and understanding from God, who provides the strength to overcome the temptations of deviousness.

In a world where devious behavior is often rewarded, Christians are reminded to stand firm in their faith, trusting that God's ways are ultimately just and true. By living a life of integrity, believers not only honor God but also serve as a witness to His transformative power in their lives.1. (a.) Going out of the right or common course; going astray; erring; not straightforward; as, a devious scheme.

2. (a.) Out of a straight line; winding; varying from directness; as, a devious path or way

3868. luz -- to turn aside, depart
... 3867b, 3868. luz. 3869 . to turn aside, depart. Transliteration: luz Phonetic
Spelling: (looz) Short Definition: devious. Word Origin a prim. ...
/hebrew/3868.htm - 6k

3891. lazuth -- deviation, crookedness
... 3890, 3891. lazuth. 3892 . deviation, crookedness. Transliteration: lazuth
Phonetic Spelling: (lez-ooth') Short Definition: devious. ...
/hebrew/3891.htm - 6k

O Word of Truth! in Devious Paths
... ST. GREGORY O Word of Truth! in devious paths. tr., John Brownlie 8,6,8,6. AN EVENING
HYMN. ... I. O Word of Truth! in devious paths. My wayward feet have trod,. ...
/.../brownlie/hymns of the greek church/o word of truth in.htm

Essay vi. "The Way of Ancient Ordinance, Though it Winds, is yet ...
... ESSAY VI. "The way of ancient ordinance, though it winds, Is yet no devious way.?
"The way of ancient ordinance, though it winds, Is yet no devious way. ...
/.../coleridge/confessions of an inquiring spirit etc/essay vi the way of.htm

The Conclusion of the Matter
... now reached the end of his long investigation. It has been a devious path.
He has announced many provisional conclusions, which ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/the conclusion of the matter.htm

Hymns of the Greek Church
... Now at this evening hour,. The morning breaks, I place my hand in Thine,. O Word
of Truth! in devious paths. SYNESIUS. When darkness falls and night is here,. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/brownlie/hymns of the greek church/

Confessions of an Inquiring Spirit etc
... strife? ESSAY VI. "The way of ancient ordinance, though it winds, Is yet
no devious way.? [ Prev] [Top] [Next ]. Confessions ...
//christianbookshelf.org/coleridge/confessions of an inquiring spirit etc/

Prefatory Note.
... just judgments of God will inevitably overtake him; he must unmask the hypocrite;
he must utter no uncertain protest against the crooked and devious ways of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/sovereign grace/prefatory note.htm

Book Four this is the Story of his Years among the Manicheans. ...
... Bear with me, I beseech thee, and give me the grace to retrace in my present memory
the devious ways of my past errors and thus be able to "offer to thee the ...
/.../augustine/confessions and enchiridion/book four this is the.htm

Woman's Position in the Army
... When, in the order of Divine providence, William Booth was chosen to be Founder
of the Salvation Army, by strange, devious, suffering ways, God led him ...
/.../carpenter/the angel adjutant of twice born men/iii womans position in the.htm

Baptism unto Repentance
... There are mountains and hills of pride and self-will that have to be levelled; crooked
and devious ways that have to be straightened; ruggednesses that have to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/meyer/john the baptist/vi baptism unto repentance.htm

Sunday-School Hymns.
... Shepherd of tender youth, Guiding in love and truth Through devious ways; Christ,
our triumphant King, We come Thy name to sing, Hither our children bring To ...
/.../brown/the story of the hymns and tunes/chapter viii sunday-school hymns.htm

Devious (5 Occurrences)
... 1. (a.) Going out of the right or common course; going astray; erring; not
straightforward; as, a devious scheme. ...Devious (5 Occurrences). ...
/d/devious.htm - 7k

Devise (41 Occurrences)

/d/devise.htm - 19k

Devil's (5 Occurrences)

/d/devil's.htm - 7k

Conduct (93 Occurrences)
... right. (See NAS NIV). Proverbs 21:8 The way of the guilty is devious, but
the conduct of the innocent is upright. (WEB NAS RSV NIV). ...
/c/conduct.htm - 35k

Innocent (97 Occurrences)
... shall perish. (DBY). Proverbs 21:8 The way of the guilty is devious, but
the conduct of the innocent is upright. (WEB NIV). Proverbs ...
/i/innocent.htm - 37k

Quotations
... events recorded and the natural interpretations of the Old Testament passages connected
with them; that is, the fuifilments arrive by such devious routes as to ...
/q/quotations.htm - 40k

Sodomite (1 Occurrence)
... events recorded and the natural interpretations of the Old Testament passages connected
with them; that is, the fuifilments arrive by such devious routes as to ...
/s/sodomite.htm - 101k

Messenger (235 Occurrences)

/m/messenger.htm - 101k

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