Topical Bible: Deceit: Impose on Others By

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Deceit, as understood within the biblical context, refers to the act of misleading or deceiving others through falsehoods, trickery, or cunning. It is a sin that is frequently condemned throughout Scripture, as it undermines trust and integrity, which are foundational to righteous living and community harmony.

Biblical Instances and Teachings on Deceit:

1. The Deceit of the Serpent: The first instance of deceit in the Bible occurs in the Garden of Eden, where the serpent deceives Eve by twisting God's words. Genesis 3:4-5 records the serpent's words: "You will not surely die," the serpent told the woman. "For God knows that in the day you eat of it, your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." This act of deceit led to the fall of man, illustrating the destructive power of deceit.

2. Jacob and Esau: Jacob's deceit in obtaining his brother Esau's blessing is another significant example. In Genesis 27, Jacob, with the help of his mother Rebekah, deceives his father Isaac by pretending to be Esau. This act of deceit results in familial discord and long-term consequences for Jacob.

3. Ananias and Sapphira: In the New Testament, Acts 5:1-11 recounts the account of Ananias and Sapphira, who deceitfully withheld part of the proceeds from the sale of their property while claiming to have given it all to the apostles. Their deceit was met with divine judgment, as both fell dead after their deception was revealed.

4. Condemnation of Deceit: The Bible consistently condemns deceit. Proverbs 12:22 states, "Lying lips are detestable to the LORD, but those who deal faithfully are His delight." This verse highlights God's disdain for deceit and His pleasure in truthfulness.

5. Jesus on Deceit: Jesus Himself warned against deceit and hypocrisy. In Mark 7:21-23 , He lists deceit among the evils that come from within a person and defile them: "For from within the hearts of men come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, debauchery, envy, slander, arrogance, and foolishness. All these evils come from within, and these are what defile a man."

6. Paul's Teachings: The Apostle Paul also addresses deceit in his epistles. In Ephesians 4:25 , he exhorts believers: "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 honesty and integrity within the Christian community.

The Nature and Consequences of Deceit:

Deceit is often characterized by its subtlety and the intention to gain an unfair advantage or to harm others. It can manifest in various forms, including lying, fraud, and hypocrisy. The consequences of deceit are far-reaching, affecting not only the deceiver but also those who are deceived and the broader community. It erodes trust, damages relationships, and can lead to spiritual and moral decay.

The Call to Truthfulness:

Scripture calls believers to a life of truthfulness and integrity, reflecting the character of God, who is truth. In John 14:6 , Jesus declares, "I am the way and the truth and the life." As followers of Christ, Christians are called to emulate His example by rejecting deceit and embracing truth in all aspects of life.

Nave's Topical Index

Romans 16:18
For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.
Nave's Topical Index

Ephesians 4:14
That we from now on be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
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Library

Of Lying Defamation.
... an Amulet against the guilt both of deceit and malice ... and least discerning persons,
on whom to impose their fictions ... at all times, and what the others are fain ...
/.../allestree/the government of the tongue/section v of lying defamation.htm

By what virtues the Ancient Romans Merited that the True God ...
... "Others, belike, with happier grace ... Be this thy genius, to impose. ... these things, did
not seek after honors and glory by these arts, but by treachery and deceit. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 12 by what virtues the.htm

1 Timothy iii. 10-Aug
... For nothing so debases a man as deceit, nothing is so ... Flee from that yoke of slavery,
which riches impose. ... this is poverty, to stand in need of others; and by ...
/.../homily xi 1 timothy iii.htm

Whether it is Lawful to Sell a Thing for More than Its Worth?
... double-dealing: the seller must not impose upon the ... Accordingly, if without employing
deceit the seller disposes ... or by his experience of others, thought that ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether it is lawful to 15.htm

The Danger of Deviating from Divine Institutions.
... spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the ... Others are tempted mostly
to other sins, and ... judge them respecting such things, or impose such burdens ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xxviii the danger of.htm

Epistle Lx. To Romanus and Other Guardians (Defensores) of the ...
... take advantage of an easy matter of deceit, we enjoin ... a mother, an aunt, a sister,
and others of this ... And therefore we impose no necessary obligation; but, if ...
/.../gregory/the epistles of saint gregory the great/epistle lx to romanus and.htm

Luke x. The Latter Part of the 25Th Verse.
... matter; and the more guarded against any Deceit, and Delusion ... Terms of Salvation
what we, or many others, may wish. ... Terms of it, from such as impose what they ...
/.../sermon i luke x the.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, Luke xi. 5, "Which of You Shall have a ...
... any one loaf was greater than the others; but simply ... sought, in whose sweetness there
is no deceit; yet by ... with all thy bitternesses thou dost impose thy false ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon lv on the words.htm

The Folly of Slander. Part 1.
... of such intemperance (some really past, others probably future ... I say, we pass such
censures, or impose such characters ... but a false witness deceit." Deceiving is ...
/.../barrow/sermons on evil-speaking by isaac barrow/the folly of slander part.htm

"If we Say that we have Fellowship with Him, and Walk in Darkness ...
... and deformity upon all hypocrisy and deceit, especially in ... or speaks of it to the
edification of others? ... a lie, that ye would henceforth impose this necessity ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xiii if we say.htm