Topical Bible: Deceit: Utter

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Topical Encyclopedia

Deceit, in the biblical context, refers to the act of misleading or deceiving others through falsehoods or trickery. It is a sin that is condemned throughout Scripture, as it stands in direct opposition to the truth and righteousness that God desires from His people. The utterance of deceit is particularly grievous, as it involves the deliberate use of words to mislead or harm others.

Biblical References:

1. Psalm 5:9 : "For there is no truth in their mouths; their inmost being is destruction; their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit." This verse highlights the nature of deceitful speech as being inherently destructive and rooted in a lack of truth. The imagery of an "open grave" underscores the deadly impact of deceitful words.

2. Proverbs 12:22 : "Lying lips are detestable to the LORD, but those who deal faithfully are His delight." Here, deceitful speech is explicitly condemned as detestable to God. The contrast is drawn between lying lips and those who speak truthfully, emphasizing God's pleasure in honesty and faithfulness.

3. Jeremiah 9:8 : "Their tongue is a deadly arrow; it speaks deceitfully. With his mouth each speaks peace to his neighbor, but in his heart he sets an ambush." This passage illustrates the duplicity of deceitful speech, where outward expressions of peace mask inner intentions of harm. The metaphor of a "deadly arrow" conveys the lethal potential of deceitful words.

4. Romans 3:13 : "Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit; the venom of vipers is on their lips." Quoting from the Psalms, the Apostle Paul reiterates the sinful nature of deceitful speech, likening it to venomous poison. This underscores the pervasive and corrupting influence of deceit.

5. 1 Peter 2:1 : "Rid yourselves, therefore, of all malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander." The Apostle Peter exhorts believers to abandon deceit along with other sins that disrupt community and fellowship. This call to purity of speech and action is integral to living a life that honors God.

Theological Implications:

Deceit, particularly when uttered, is a violation of the Ninth Commandment, which prohibits bearing false witness (Exodus 20:16). It is an affront to God's nature, as He is a God of truth (John 14:6). The utterance of deceit is not merely a social or moral failing but a spiritual one, reflecting a heart that is not aligned with God's will.

In the New Testament, Jesus emphasizes the importance of truthfulness in speech, teaching that one's words should be a simple "Yes" or "No" (Matthew 5:37). This teaching underscores the value of integrity and the avoidance of deceitful speech.

Practical Considerations:

Believers are called to be vigilant in guarding their speech, ensuring that it reflects the truth and love of Christ. This involves a conscious effort to speak with honesty and integrity, avoiding the temptation to deceive for personal gain or to harm others. The Holy Spirit aids believers in this endeavor, transforming hearts and minds to align with God's truth.

In the context of Christian community, the utterance of deceit can cause division and strife. Therefore, it is essential for believers to cultivate an environment of trust and transparency, where truth is spoken in love (Ephesians 4:15). This not only strengthens the body of Christ but also serves as a witness to the world of the transformative power of the Gospel.

Nave's Topical Index

Psalm 10:7
His mouth is full of cursing and deceit and fraud: under his tongue is mischief and vanity.
Nave's Topical Index

Psalm 36:3
The words of his mouth are iniquity and deceit: he has left off to be wise, and to do good.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

How the Simple and the Crafty are to be Admonished.
... The simple are therefore to be admonished that, as they always avoid deceit
advantageously, so they should always utter truth advantageously. ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/chapter xi how the simple.htm

Self-Respect and Self-Righteousness
... he must be a bad man, and to make him accuse himself of all sorts of sins which
he had not committed; and he answered that he would utter no deceit, and tell ...
/.../kingsley/the good news of god/sermon xi self-respect and self-righteousness.htm

Good Days
... To give up the tongue which speaks evil of your fellow-men; and the lips which utter
deceit; and the brain which imagines cunning; and the heart which quarrels ...
/.../kingsley/all saints day and other sermons/sermon xix good days.htm

Slavery of Redemptioners.
... Many a suicide was the consequence of the abominable deceit of the Newlanders. Others
sank into utter despair, or deserted, only to suffer more afterwards than ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/bente/american lutheranism/slavery of redemptioners.htm

There is a Great Question About Lying, which Often Arises in the ...
... very mood of the joker a most evident indication that he means no deceit, although
the ... studied purpose of not deceiving, if to tell a lie is to utter any thing ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/on lying/section 1 there is a.htm

The Disciple, -- Master, Some People Say that the Comfort and Joy ...
... This is utter nonsense that people tell me about something like a big ... heed, therefore,
lest anyone captures you "with philosophy and vain deceit, after the ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/singh/at the masters feet/section ii the disciple 3.htm

The Way of Death.
... witchcrafts, rapines, false witnessings, hypocrisies, double-heartedness, deceit,
haughtiness, depravity ... of the rich, lawless judges of the poor, utter sinners. ...
/.../various/the teaching of the twelve apostles/chapter v name way of.htm

Treatise on the Priesthood. Book ii.
... purpose, or rather that in such a case it ought not to be called deceit, but a ... words
are those of one who is in doubt, yet the speaker did not utter them in ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/treatise on the priesthood book 2.htm

Upon the Collections , iv.
... put all his strength in lying and produced every kind of deceit from this ... prepared
for them, the unjust shall be upbraided for their utter barrenness, and ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/sermon ix upon the collections.htm

Narrative of Events at Alexandria in the Time of Lucius the Arian ...
... Thus this noble character mixed intimidation with deceit and so endeavoured to persuade
and ... "Cease, cease trying to frighten us with these words, utter no more ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/chapter xix narrative of events at.htm