Topical Bible: Deceit: Delight In

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Deceit, in the biblical context, refers to the act of misleading or deceiving others through falsehoods or trickery. The Scriptures consistently portray deceit as contrary to the nature of God, who is characterized by truth and righteousness. The delight in deceit is a condition of the heart that finds pleasure in falsehood and manipulation, often leading to destructive consequences.

The Bible provides numerous examples and warnings against deceit and those who take pleasure in it. In the book of Psalms, deceit is often associated with wickedness and is condemned by God. Psalm 5:6 states, "You destroy those who tell lies; the LORD abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man." This verse highlights God's disdain for deceit and His commitment to truth and justice.

Proverbs, a book known for its wisdom literature, frequently addresses the issue of deceit. Proverbs 12:22 declares, "Lying lips are detestable to the LORD, but those who deal faithfully are His delight." This proverb contrasts the delight God finds in truthfulness with His detestation of deceit, emphasizing the moral and spiritual implications of delighting in deceit.

The prophet Jeremiah also speaks to the issue of deceit, particularly in the context of societal corruption. Jeremiah 9:5 describes a culture where deceit is rampant: "Each one deceives his neighbor; no one speaks the truth. They have taught their tongues to speak lies; they weary themselves with iniquity." This passage illustrates how deceit can become ingrained in a community, leading to widespread moral decay.

In the New Testament, the apostle Paul warns against deceitful behavior among believers. In Ephesians 4:25 , he exhorts, "Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one another." Paul emphasizes the importance of truthfulness within the Christian community, reflecting the unity and integrity expected of believers.

The delight in deceit is ultimately rooted in a sinful nature that opposes God's truth. Jesus, in addressing the Pharisees, identifies Satan as the father of lies, highlighting the spiritual battle between truth and deceit. In John 8:44 , Jesus says, "You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out his desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, refusing to uphold the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, because he is a liar and the father of lies."

The biblical narrative consistently calls for a rejection of deceit and an embrace of truth, aligning with the character of God. Those who delight in deceit are warned of the spiritual and relational consequences, as deceit ultimately leads to separation from God and harm to others.

Nave's Topical Index

Proverbs 20:17
Bread of deceit is sweet to a man; but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Cloud
... of God to His Blessed Son, the eternal and perfect delight of God ... their perfect and
changeless acceptance in Christ, pride and vanity, deceit and covetousness ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/bevan/three friends of god/chapter xxxvii the cloud.htm

The Disciple, -- Master, it is Clear to Almost Everyone that to ...
... sinless state they did not know there were such things as lies and deceit. ... just as
after a taste of bitterness the sweetness of honey gives greater delight. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/singh/at the masters feet/section i the disciple 2.htm

Thus Has the Question Been on Both Sides Considered and Treated...
... These, differ from the class in which we have placed liars in this respect, that
liars delight in lying, rejoicing in deceit for its own sake: but these lust ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/on lying/section 12 thus has the.htm

What is the Philosophy which the Apostle Bids us Shun?
... and righteousness upon the earth: for in these things is my delight, saith the Lord ...
Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xi what is the philosophy.htm

Psalm CXXXIX.
... For there is no deceit in my ... the wings of twofold love....Regarding the length of
the way, I said to myself, "And the night was light in my delight." The night ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxxxix.htm

Oracles on the Edge of Doom. (vii. 16-xviii Passim, xxii, Xlv. )
... 398) shaft is their tongue 8 The words of their mouth(399) deceit; If peace ... am the
Lord, who work troth, Judgment and justice on earth, For in these I delight. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/jeremiah/3 oracles on the edge.htm

Rom. vii. 14
... it is not ignorance we mean as an excuse, but to show a sort of deceit, and
circumvention ... Law was to blame for the sin, how comes it that he felt a delight in ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xiii rom vii 14.htm

Chapter ii.
... will it be said to them, Depart from me, ye workers of deceit; ye had my ... the left
hand seems to have no more suitable meaning than just this delight in praise. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/our lords sermon on the mount/chapter ii 2.htm

Psalm CIX.
... deceitful was opened," because the hatred which was covered by deceit burst out ... He
therefore punisheth not from delight in another's misery, which is evil for ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cix.htm

The Service Common to Two or Many Apostles.
... mysteries, as well as the participation of the eternal food, the delight of angels ...
and awakening those that are sleeping in the darkness of deceit, do bring ...
/.../anonymous/the general menaion/chapter ix the service common.htm