Topical Bible: Deceit: Hatred often Concealed By

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Deceit, as a concept, is frequently addressed in the Bible, often highlighting its destructive nature and its ability to mask true intentions. One of the most insidious forms of deceit is when hatred is concealed by deceptive means. The Scriptures provide insight into how deceit can be used to hide animosity, creating a facade of goodwill while harboring ill intentions.

Biblical References:

1. Proverbs 26:24-26 : "A hateful man disguises himself with his speech, but he lays up deceit in his heart. When he speaks graciously, do not believe him, for seven abominations fill his heart. Though his hatred is concealed by deception, his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly." This passage from Proverbs warns of the danger posed by those who use smooth words to hide their true feelings of hatred. The deceitful person may appear gracious and kind, but their heart harbors malice, which will ultimately be revealed.

2. Psalm 55:21 : "His speech is smooth as butter, yet war is in his heart; his words are softer than oil, yet they are drawn swords." This verse illustrates the duplicity of those who use gentle and flattering words to mask their hostile intentions. The imagery of smooth speech juxtaposed with the reality of war in the heart underscores the deceitful nature of such individuals.

3. Jeremiah 9:8 : "Their tongue is a deadly arrow; it speaks deceitfully. With his mouth, one speaks peace to his neighbor, but inwardly he sets an ambush." Here, the prophet Jeremiah describes the treachery of those who speak words of peace while secretly plotting harm. The metaphor of the tongue as a deadly arrow emphasizes the lethal potential of deceitful speech.

The Nature of Deceit:

Deceit, particularly when used to conceal hatred, is a manifestation of the fallen human condition. It reflects a heart that is not aligned with the truth and righteousness that God desires. The Bible consistently portrays deceit as contrary to the character of God, who is truth (John 14:6) and calls His followers to live in truth and sincerity.

Consequences of Deceit:

The Scriptures make it clear that deceit, especially when used to hide hatred, will not remain hidden forever. As Proverbs 26:26 indicates, the wickedness concealed by deception will eventually be exposed. This exposure can occur in this life or at the final judgment, where all hidden things will be brought to light (Luke 8:17).

Moral and Spiritual Implications:

For believers, the call is to reject deceit and embrace honesty and transparency. Ephesians 4:25 exhorts, "Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one another." This call to truthfulness is rooted in the understanding that deceit undermines community and relationships, while truth fosters trust and unity.

Practical Application:

In practical terms, Christians are encouraged to examine their hearts and motives, ensuring that their words and actions align with the love and truth of Christ. This involves a commitment to integrity, where one's outward expressions genuinely reflect the inward condition of the heart. By doing so, believers can avoid the pitfalls of deceit and live in a manner that honors God and edifies others.

Nave's Topical Index

Proverbs 26:24-26
He that hates dissembles with his lips, and lays up deceit within him;
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Psalm CIX.
... because the hatred which was covered by deceit burst out ... in the Gospel, when He saith,
"How often would I ... the appearance of wishing evil, suppose hatred to be ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cix.htm

Ananias and Sapphira.
... engaged in a train of meanness, deceit, and impiety ... general, "no man knoweth love
or hatred by all ... Often concealed by modesty, by indigence, by reproach, and by ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture vi ananias and sapphira.htm

Treatise on the Priesthood. Book I.
... my will, and perplexity, inquiring as I often did whence ... you took to flight and incurred
such hatred from such ... at your hands, nor for the deceit or treachery ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/treatise on the priesthood book.htm

The End of Cambyses.
... The province of Galilee, so often mentioned in the sacred ... by open war, to destroy
him by deceit and stratagem ... with so much of the spirit of hatred and revenge ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/darius the great/chapter ii the end of.htm

Second Sunday after Easter
... words when he has enmity and deceit at heart ... The faithful, conscientious physician
must often, of necessity and ... which he merited only wrath and hatred; as we say ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol ii/second sunday after easter.htm

John v. 39, 40
... ye persecuted Me; I have shown that ye did so from hatred of Him ... 8 , LXX.); and,
"The holy spirit of discipline [1147] will flee deceit, and remove ... they often.". ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xli john v 39.htm

The Formation and Order of the Primitive Church.
... as the marked objects of the hatred and scorn of ... that they observed the ordinance
as often as they ... unhappy persons, practice dissimulation and deceit: and it ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture iii the formation and.htm

Treatise iii. On the Lapsed.
... envenomed tongue, would quarrel with one another with obstinate hatred. ... and we were
snared by the deceit of others ... friend of God; he who had often spoken face ...
/.../cyprian/the treatises of cyprian/treatise iii on the lapsed.htm

Additional Evidences of Christianity, and Reflections on the Whole ...
... to admit of any artifice or deceit: especially, that ... doubt of the rest; they, therefore,
often single this ... though they are exposed to great hatred and contempt ...
/.../the evidences of christianity/additional evidences of christianity and.htm

Matt. vii. 1
... in care for him, but in hatred, and wishing to ... things of that kind thou hast often
sought and ... the devil is always secretly substituting its appropriate deceit. ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xxiii matt vii 1.htm