Topical Bible: Deceit: Hypocrites Devise

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Topical Encyclopedia

Deceit, as understood in the biblical context, is the act of misleading or deceiving others through falsehoods or trickery. It is often associated with hypocrisy, where individuals present themselves as righteous or virtuous while concealing their true intentions or sinful behaviors. The Bible frequently addresses the issue of deceit, particularly in relation to hypocrites, who are depicted as those who devise schemes to mislead others for personal gain or to maintain a facade of righteousness.

Old Testament Insights

The Old Testament provides numerous examples and warnings against deceit. In the Psalms, deceit is often linked 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 deceitful behavior and His commitment to justice.

Proverbs, a book rich in wisdom literature, frequently contrasts the righteous with the deceitful. Proverbs 12:5 notes, "The plans of the righteous are just, but the counsel of the wicked leads to deceit." Here, deceit is portrayed as a characteristic of the wicked, in opposition to the just and honest plans of the righteous.

New Testament Teachings

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ addresses the issue of hypocrisy and deceit, particularly among the religious leaders of His time. In Matthew 23, Jesus pronounces a series of woes upon the scribes and Pharisees, calling them hypocrites for their outward displays of piety while harboring deceitful intentions. Matthew 23:27-28 declares, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of impurity. In the same way, on the outside you appear to be righteous, but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness."

The Apostle Paul also addresses deceit in his epistles, warning believers to be wary of those who use cunning and deceitful tactics. In 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 , Paul writes, "For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their actions." Paul emphasizes the danger of deceit within the church, where individuals may disguise themselves as righteous leaders while leading others astray.

Moral and Spiritual Implications

Deceit, particularly when devised by hypocrites, is seen as a grave moral failing in the biblical narrative. It undermines trust, sows discord, and leads individuals away from the truth of God's Word. The Bible calls believers to a life of integrity and truthfulness, reflecting the character of God, who is described as a God of truth and faithfulness.

In Ephesians 4:25 , Paul exhorts the church, "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 honesty and transparency is foundational to Christian ethics and community life, standing in stark contrast to the deceitful schemes of hypocrites.

Conclusion

The biblical perspective on deceit, especially as it relates to hypocrisy, serves as a warning and a call to righteousness. Believers are encouraged to examine their hearts, reject deceitful practices, and live in accordance with the truth of the Gospel, thereby reflecting the light of Christ in a world often marked by deception and falsehood.

Nave's Topical Index

Job 15:35
They conceive mischief, and bring forth vanity, and their belly prepares deceit.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Matt. vi. 16
... penalty, but also by showing that such deceit is but ... bear, is common to us and to
the hypocrites, for they ... This, for instance, is why men devise those herds of ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xx matt vi 16.htm

Pope Anterus.
... read in the holy Gospel: "Woe unto you, hypocrites! ... holy spirit of discipline will
flee deceit, and remove ... simplicity of the dove, that they devise not guile ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the decretals/pope anterus.htm

Confessio Fidei Gallicana.
... by their nature are inclined to deceit and vanity ... the faithful there may be hypocrites
and reprobates ... those elected to be superintendents devise among themselves ...
/.../the creeds of the evangelical protestant churches/confessio fidei gallicana.htm

I Will Pray with the Spirit and with the Understanding Also-
... abominable lives, full of malice, envy, deceit, persecuting of ... his own brain may
imagine and devise, is one ... Father!" I tell you, however hypocrites think, yet ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/i will pray with the.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... Faithful his three daughters to wife[71]"the lust of the flesh, the lust of the
eyes, and the pride of life"if he would dwell with him in the town of Deceit ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm