In the biblical context, deceit is often associated with the actions and intentions of the wicked. The wicked are frequently depicted as those who devise schemes and plans that are rooted in falsehood and treachery. This behavior is condemned throughout Scripture, as it stands in stark contrast to the truth and righteousness that God desires from His people.

Biblical References:

1. Psalm 36:3-4 : "The words of his mouth are wicked and deceitful; he has ceased to be wise and well-doing. Even on his bed he plots wickedness; he sets himself on a path that is not good; he does not reject evil." This passage highlights the continuous nature of deceit in the heart of the wicked. It is not merely an occasional act but a habitual practice, even in their private moments.

2. Proverbs 12:5 : "The plans of the righteous are just, but the counsel of the wicked leads to deceit." Here, the contrast between the righteous and the wicked is made clear. While the righteous seek justice and truth, the wicked are characterized by their deceitful counsel and intentions.

3. Proverbs 24:8 : "He who plots evil will be called a schemer." This verse underscores the reputation that follows those who devise deceitful plans. The term "schemer" is synonymous with one who engages in deceitful and wicked plotting.

4. Jeremiah 9:8 : "Their tongue is a deadly arrow; it speaks deceitfully. With his mouth, one speaks peace to his neighbor, but in his heart he sets a trap for him." This imagery of a "deadly arrow" illustrates the destructive power of deceitful words. The wicked use their speech to create a facade of peace while secretly planning harm.

5. Micah 2:1 : "Woe to those who devise iniquity and plot evil on their beds! At morning light they accomplish it because it is in the power of their hand." This verse pronounces a woe upon those who not only devise wickedness but also have the means to carry it out. Their deceitful plans are premeditated and executed with intent.

The Nature of Deceit Among the Wicked:

Deceit among the wicked is often portrayed as a deliberate and calculated act. It involves the manipulation of truth and the exploitation of others for personal gain or malicious intent. The wicked are depicted as those who are not content with mere wrongdoing but actively seek to ensnare others through their deceitful schemes.

Moral and Spiritual Implications:

The Bible consistently warns against the dangers of deceit and the moral decay it represents. Deceit is not only a violation of trust but also an affront to God's nature, which is characterized by truth and faithfulness. The wicked, in their deceit, align themselves against God's righteous standards and ultimately face His judgment.

Contrast with the Righteous:

In contrast to the wicked, the righteous are called to live lives of integrity and truth. They are to reject deceit in all its forms and to pursue justice and honesty. The righteous are depicted as those who trust in the Lord and seek to reflect His character in their dealings with others.

The biblical narrative presents deceit as a hallmark of the wicked, a behavior that is both destructive and contrary to the will of God. Through various passages, Scripture calls believers to be vigilant against deceit and to uphold the truth in all aspects of life.Psalm 35:20
For they speak not peace: but they devise deceitful matters against them that are quiet in the land.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 38:12
They also that seek after my life lay snares for me: and they that seek my hurt speak mischievous things, and imagine deceits all the day long.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 12:5
The thoughts of the righteous are right: but the counsels of the wicked are deceit.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm x.
... thought that he would gain heaven by wicked arts, and ... himself such things with
bitterness and deceit, that is ... on his tongue, because he will devise these things ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm x.htm

Criticisms of the Doctrine of Non-Resistance to Evil by Force on ...
... Question has long been Decided"To Devise such Subterfuges ... been commanded to use no
force against the wicked. ... to the conclusion that a coarse deceit had been ...
/.../tolstoy/the kingdom of god is within you/chapter ii criticisms of the.htm

Pope Anterus.
... holy spirit of discipline will flee deceit, and remove ... and unto the manifestation
of his wicked deeds; for ... simplicity of the dove, that they devise not guile ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the decretals/pope anterus.htm

The Exile Continued.
... "Destructions doth thy tongue devise, Like a razor whetted"O thou worker of deceit.". ...
and of individuals when evil men fade: "When the wicked perish, there ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/v the exilecontinued.htm

The Testament of Benjamin Concerning a Pure Mind.
... though they be sinners, even though they devise evil concerning ... a good mind, my children,
then will both wicked men be ... is not in the power of the deceit of the ...
/.../xii the testament of benjamin concerning.htm

The Folly of Slander. Part 2.
... thy mouth to evil, and thy tongue frameth deceit. ... And highly wicked surely must that
practice be, whereby we ... cause; how much more not to devise any falsehood ...
/.../barrow/sermons on evil-speaking by isaac barrow/the folly of slander part 2.htm

Matt. vi. 16
... but also by showing that such deceit is but ... it is nevertheless irresistible and
uncontrollable, and devise what thou ... He so withdraws us from the wicked desire. ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xx matt vi 16.htm

Letter xi. --For 339. Coss. Constantius Augustus ii, Constans I ...
... For, persevering with delight in wicked actions, they hasten ... and, instead of loving
them, devise evil against ... have spoken vanity, and imagined deceit all the ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/letter xi for 339 coss constantius.htm

The Folly of Slander. Part 1.
... thy mouth to evil, and thy tongue frameth deceit;" and as ... commonly doth arise from
the same wicked principles, at ... in this case differ little; to devise, and to ...
/.../barrow/sermons on evil-speaking by isaac barrow/the folly of slander part.htm

The Security of the Church
... The wicked when they can do nothing else against the ... wise, that he in his own brain
can devise a gospel ... I have often marveled at the depths of deceit which are ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/the security of the church.htm

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Deceit: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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