In the biblical context, the term "schemes" often refers to the cunning plans or deceptive strategies devised by individuals or spiritual entities to achieve their own ends, often in opposition to God's will. The Bible provides numerous examples and warnings about such schemes, emphasizing the need for discernment and reliance on God's wisdom to avoid falling prey to them.

Old Testament References

The Old Testament frequently addresses the schemes of the wicked, highlighting the contrast between the righteous and those who plot evil. In the Psalms, David often laments the schemes of his enemies, seeking God's protection and deliverance. For instance, Psalm 37:12-13 states, "The wicked scheme against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them, but the Lord laughs, seeing that their day is coming." This passage underscores the futility of wicked schemes in the face of divine justice.

Proverbs also provides wisdom on the subject, warning against the deceitful plans of the wicked. Proverbs 6:16-19 lists things the Lord hates, including "a heart that devises wicked schemes." This highlights the moral and spiritual danger of engaging in deceitful plotting.

New Testament Insights

In the New Testament, the concept of schemes is often associated with spiritual warfare. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, frequently warns believers about the schemes of the devil. Ephesians 6:11 exhorts Christians to "Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes." This passage emphasizes the need for spiritual preparedness and reliance on God's strength to withstand the enemy's tactics.

Paul also addresses human schemes in his epistles, cautioning against false teachings and deceptive philosophies. In 2 Corinthians 2:11 , he writes, "in order that Satan should not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes." Here, Paul highlights the importance of being vigilant and discerning to avoid being led astray by cunning deceptions.

Spiritual Warfare and Discernment

The Bible consistently teaches that believers must be aware of and prepared for the schemes of both human and spiritual adversaries. Spiritual discernment, prayer, and adherence to God's Word are essential tools in recognizing and resisting these schemes. James 4:7 advises, "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." This instruction underscores the power of submission to God and active resistance against evil.

Practical Application

In practical terms, Christians are encouraged to cultivate a life of integrity and truthfulness, avoiding the temptation to engage in deceitful schemes themselves. The call to live righteously and trust in God's justice is a recurring theme throughout Scripture. Believers are reminded that while the wicked may plot and scheme, God's sovereignty and righteousness will ultimately prevail.

Conclusion

The biblical teaching on schemes serves as a reminder of the ongoing spiritual battle and the need for vigilance and reliance on God. By understanding the nature of schemes and the biblical response to them, believers can navigate the challenges of life with wisdom and faith.3180. methodeia -- craft, deceit
... Word Origin from methodeuo (to employ craft) Definition craft, deceit NASB
Word Usage schemes (1), scheming (1). scheming, trickery. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3180.htm - 7k

3540. noema -- thought, purpose
... mind. Word Origin from noeo Definition thought, purpose NASB Word Usage
minds (4), schemes (1), thought (1). device, mind, thought. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3540.htm - 7k

6098. etsah -- counsel, advice
... consultation (2), counsel (52), counselor* (1), counselors* (1), counsels (1), designs
(1), plan (8), plans (2), purpose (6), scheme (1), schemes (1), strategy ...
/hebrew/6098.htm - 6k

4284. machashabah -- thought, device
... 1), intentions* (1), invented (1), inventive (1), plan (2), plans (14), plot (1),
plots (1), plotting (1), purposes (3), scheme (2), schemes (4), thoughts (19 ...
/hebrew/4284.htm - 6k

2154. zimmah -- a plan, device, wickedness
... 1), evil intent (1), immorality (2), lewd (3), lewdly (1), lewdness (13), lustful
crime (1), plans (1), wicked scheme (1), wicked schemes (1), wickedness (2). ...
/hebrew/2154.htm - 6k

4209. mezimmah -- purpose, discretion, device
... devices (1), intent (1), plans (1), plot (1), plots (1), purpose (2), purposes
(1), schemer* (1), thoughts (1), vile deeds (1), wicked schemes (1), wickedly (1 ...
/hebrew/4209.htm - 6k

My Judgment Respecting the Two Last Described Schemes of ...
... 4. MY JUDGMENT RESPECTING THE TWO LAST DESCRIBED SCHEMES OF PREDESTINATION.
Both these opinions, as they outwardly pretend, differ ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/4 my judgment respecting the.htm

The Fall of the Empire and of the Papacy
... Conradin fled, but was captured and executed. [Sidenote: Schemes of Charles.]. ...
During that time Charles developed the most ambitious schemes. ...
/.../medley/the church and the empire/chapter xvi the fall of.htm

The Church and the Heathen
... Adalbert's schemes were wide-reaching. ... [Sidenote: Wends.]. But the real mischief
of Adalbert's ambitious schemes was apparent east of the Elbe. ...
/.../medley/the church and the empire/chapter xiv the church and.htm

The Dove and the Lamb
... He was the simple Lamb. A lamb is the simplest of God's creatures. It has no schemes
or plans for helping itself"it exists in helplessness and simplicity. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hession/the calvary road/chapter 5 the dove and.htm

Book x. It is Manifest that There is Nothing which Men have ever ...
... unhallowed zeal shall drive them beyond the endurance of sound doctrine, they will
heap up teachers for their lusts, that is, construct schemes of doctrine to ...
/.../hilary/the life and writings of st hilary of poitiers/book x it is manifest.htm

The Word Success Can of Course be Used in Two Senses. ...
... It is exactly his schemes that are not fulfilled; it is exactly his vision that
is fulfilled. ... All his schemes will fail, all his tools break in his hands. ...
/.../chesterton/whats wrong with the world/chapter 37 the word success.htm

Meditation v. Jesus Goes up to Jerusalem.
... He spoke also of the schemes of the traitor Judas, and the Blessed Virgin prayed
for him. ... I beheld all his wicked schemes and all his thoughts. ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/meditation v jesus goes up.htm

Luke x. The Latter Part of the 25Th Verse.
... are determin'd to be in his Will: and in vain will it be for the greatest or wisest
of us all to attempt to accommodate and bend them to our Schemes, or our ...
/.../sermon ii luke x the.htm

The Existence of Moral Evil, or Sin, Reconciled with the Holiness ...
... It may not be improper to bestow a few brief remarks on these different schemes.
Section I. The hypothesis of the soul's preexistence. ...
/.../a theodicy or vindication of the divine glory/chapter vi the existence of.htm

Why is it that Our Lord Has Tarried Till Now? Why Has not the ...
... We answer". First, because God would give man full opportunity to develop his schemes
and thereby demonstrate the world's need of a competent Ruler. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/4 why is it that.htm

Schemes (25 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Schemes (25 Occurrences). 2 Corinthians 2:11 that no
advantage may be gained over us by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his schemes. ...
/s/schemes.htm - 12k

Schemer (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) One who forms schemes; a projector; esp., a plotter;
an intriguer. Multi-Version Concordance Schemer (2 Occurrences). ...
/s/schemer.htm - 6k

Scheming (3 Occurrences)
... 1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Scheme. 2. (a.) Given to forming schemes; artful;
intriguing. Multi-Version Concordance Scheming (3 Occurrences). ...
/s/scheming.htm - 7k

Parousia
... For similar uncertainties in the Jewish schemes, compare, for instance, 2 Esdras
7:33 and Enoch 45:3. For the fate of the wicked see ESCHATOLOGY; HELL; Paul ...
/p/parousia.htm - 36k

Eschatology
... In certain of the apocalyptic writings a compromise is attempted between these two
schemes after this manner, that the carrying out of the one is merely to ...
/e/eschatology.htm - 70k

Tabeel (2 Occurrences)
... In certain of the apocalyptic writings a compromise is attempted between these two
schemes after this manner, that the carrying out of the one is merely to ...
/t/tabeel.htm - 101k

Mouth (534 Occurrences)
... In certain of the apocalyptic writings a compromise is attempted between these two
schemes after this manner, that the carrying out of the one is merely to ...
/m/mouth.htm - 91k

Kills (38 Occurrences)
... Exodus 21:14 If a man schemes and comes presumptuously on his neighbor to kill him,
you shall take him from my altar, that he may die. (See NIV). ...
/k/kills.htm - 17k

Unaware (16 Occurrences)
... (See NAS). 2 Corinthians 2:11 that no advantage may be gained over us by
Satan; for we are not ignorant of his schemes. (See NIV). ...
/u/unaware.htm - 11k

Open (586 Occurrences)
... 6. (a.) Not concealed or secret; not hidden or disguised; exposed to view or to
knowledge; revealed; apparent; as, open schemes or plans; open shame or guilt. ...
/o/open.htm - 41k

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