Topical Encyclopedia Deceit, as understood in the biblical context, is a deliberate act of misleading or deceiving others. It is a sin that not only harms relationships between individuals but also creates a barrier between humanity and God. The Bible frequently warns against deceit, highlighting its destructive nature and its ability to prevent individuals from turning to God.The Old Testament provides numerous examples and warnings about deceit. In Jeremiah 17:9 , the prophet declares, "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?" This verse underscores the inherent deceitfulness of the human heart, suggesting that deceit is deeply rooted in human nature and is a significant obstacle to spiritual understanding and repentance. In the New Testament, deceit is similarly condemned. Jesus Himself warns against deceit in Mark 7:21-23 , where 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." Here, deceit is placed alongside other grave sins, indicating its serious nature and its potential to corrupt the soul. The Apostle Paul also addresses the issue of deceit in his epistles. In Ephesians 4:22 , he exhorts believers to "put off your former way of life, your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires." Paul emphasizes that deceit is part of the old self that must be abandoned in order to live a life pleasing to God. This transformation is essential for turning to God and living in accordance with His will. Deceit not only affects individuals but can also permeate entire communities, leading them away from God. In 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12 , Paul warns of the deceitfulness that will accompany the coming of the lawless one: "and with every wicked deception directed against those who are perishing, because they refused the love of the truth that would have saved them. For this reason, God will send them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie, in order that judgment will come upon all who have disbelieved the truth and delighted in wickedness." This passage illustrates how deceit can lead to widespread spiritual blindness and judgment. The Bible also provides guidance on overcoming deceit. In Psalm 34:13-14 , the psalmist advises, "Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from deceitful speech. Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it." This counsel encourages believers to actively reject deceit and pursue righteousness, which is essential for turning to God. In summary, deceit is a significant spiritual impediment that keeps individuals from turning to God. It is deeply ingrained in human nature and is condemned throughout Scripture. The Bible calls for a rejection of deceit and an embrace of truth and righteousness, which are necessary for a genuine relationship with God. Nave's Topical Index Jeremiah 8:5Why then is this people of Jerusalem slid back by a perpetual backsliding? they hold fast deceit, they refuse to return. Nave's Topical Index Library Of Purity Summary of Foregoing. Cessation of Pagan Oracles, &C. ... But we Need no Longer Show in this Narrow Way the Drawback of this ... The New-Birth Rom. Iii. 18-Sep Chastisements. Acts xxviii. 1 Two Ancient Proverbs Letter vi. --For 334. Easter-Day, xii Pharmuthi, vii Id. April ... Jacob and Esau Resources Why did Jesus have to die? | GotQuestions.orgWhy is salvation by works the predominantly held viewpoint? | GotQuestions.org Who was Rebekah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Deceit: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Deceit: A Characteristic of Antichrist Deceit: A Characteristic of the Apostasy Deceit: Blessedness of Being Free From Deceit: Characteristic of the Apostasy Deceit: Characteristic of the Heart Deceit: Christ Was Perfectly Free From Deceit: Evil of Hinders Knowledge of God Deceit: Evil of Keeps from Knowledge of God Deceit: Evil of Keeps from Turning to God Deceit: Evil of Leads to Lying Deceit: Evil of Leads to Pride and Oppression Deceit: False Teachers are Workers of Deceit: False Teachers: Impose on Others By Deceit: False Teachers: Preach Deceit: False Teachers: Sport Themselves With Deceit: Hatred often Concealed By Deceit: Keeps from Turning to God Deceit: Leads: To Pride and Oppression Deceit: Ministers should Lay Aside Deceit: Often Accompanied by Fraud and Injustice Deceit: Saints: Delivered from Those Who Use Deceit: Saints: Pray for Deliverance from Those Who Use Deceit: Saints: Purpose Against Deceit: Saints: Purposed Against Deceit: Saints: should Beware of Those Who Teach Deceit: Saints: should Lay Aside, in Seeking Truth Deceit: Saints: Shun Those Addicted To Deceit: The Kisses of an Enemy Are Deceit: The Tongue is an Instrument of Deceit: The Tongue, the Instrument of Deceit: The Wicked are Full of Deceit: The Wicked: Delight In Deceit: The Wicked: Increase In Deceit: The Wicked: Use, to Each Other Deceit: The Wicked: Use, to Themselves Related Terms |