Deceit, a deliberate act of misleading or deceiving others, is a recurring theme in the Bible, often associated with the behavior of the wicked. The Scriptures provide numerous examples and warnings about deceit, particularly highlighting how the wicked use deceit against each other.

Biblical Instances and Teachings:

1. Proverbs on Deceit Among the Wicked:
The Book of Proverbs frequently addresses the nature of deceit among the wicked. Proverbs 12:20 states, "Deceit is in the hearts of those who devise evil, but the counselors of peace have joy." This verse contrasts the deceitful intentions of the wicked with the joy found in peace and righteousness. Proverbs 26:24-26 further warns, "A hateful man disguises himself with his speech, but he lays up deceit in his heart. When he speaks graciously, do not believe him, for seven abominations fill his heart. Though his hatred is concealed by deception, his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly."

2. The Psalms on Deceitful Relationships:
The Psalms also reflect on deceit among the wicked, often in the context of betrayal and falsehood. Psalm 55:21 describes the duplicity of the wicked: "His speech is smooth as butter, yet war is in his heart; his words are softer than oil, yet they are drawn swords." This imagery highlights the contrast between outward appearances and inner intentions, a hallmark of deceitful behavior.

3. Jeremiah’s Lament on Deceit:
The prophet Jeremiah laments the pervasive deceit among the people of Judah. In Jeremiah 9:4-6, he warns, "Let everyone beware of his neighbor, and do not trust any brother. For every brother deals craftily, and every friend spreads slander. Each one deceives his neighbor; no one speaks the truth. They have taught their tongues to lie; they weary themselves with iniquity. You dwell in the midst of deception; in their deceit they refuse to know Me, declares the LORD." This passage underscores the widespread nature of deceit and its destructive impact on community and relationship with God.

4. The Consequences of Deceit:
The Bible consistently teaches that deceit leads to ruin and judgment. Proverbs 19:5 warns, "A false witness will not go unpunished, and one who utters lies will not escape." The wicked, in their deceit, ultimately face divine justice, as their actions are contrary to the truth and righteousness upheld by God.

5. New Testament Reflections:
In the New Testament, deceit remains a significant concern. Romans 1:29-31 lists deceit among the vices of those who have turned away from God: "They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed, and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, and malice." This passage illustrates the moral decay associated with deceit and its place among other grievous sins.

Moral and Spiritual Implications:

The use of deceit among the wicked is not only a social ill but a spiritual one, reflecting a heart turned away from God. The Bible calls believers to a life of truth and integrity, standing in stark contrast to the deceitful ways of the wicked. The Scriptures encourage the faithful to seek wisdom and understanding, to speak truthfully, and to trust in the Lord, who is the ultimate arbiter of justice and truth.Jeremiah 9:5
And they will deceive every one his neighbor, and will not speak the truth: they have taught their tongue to speak lies, and weary themselves to commit iniquity.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

That Evil Comes of Sloth, and virtue from Diligence, and that ...
... On this account he left the wicked in the midst of the good, that ... Do thou also use
this proof. ... on this point, that the woman was able to understand the deceit. ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily iii that evil comes.htm

History and Doctrines of Heresies.
... to destroy the power of those demons that made use of the ... and a teacher of piety,
and not of deceit, as thou art, Simon, I command the wicked powers of ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec ii history and doctrines of.htm

On Daniel. vi. On Susannah.
... desires to take the laver according to use, she must ... elders cried out against her."
For the wicked never cease ... those who (call upon Him) in deceit and hypocrisy ...
/.../the extant works and fragments of hippolytus/on daniel vi on susannah.htm

Criticisms of the Doctrine of Non-Resistance to Evil by Force on ...
... has been commanded to use no force against the wicked. ... majority of religious critics
of my book use this fifth ... to the conclusion that a coarse deceit had been ...
/.../tolstoy/the kingdom of god is within you/chapter ii criticisms of the.htm

Chapter i.
... wicked poureth out evil things,' and The counsels of the wicked are deceit [1203] :'
it ... for they disguise their real sentiments, and then make use of the ...
/.../athanasius/select works and letters or athanasius/chapter i.htm

Paul Before the Council.
... as "the harmlessness of the dove;" not the practice of deceit and wicked policy,
but ... he should escape, was he not perfectly justifiable in making use of it ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xxvi paul before the.htm

A Caution against Bigotry
... in wickedness, but "lieth in the wicked one;" lives ... maliciousness; full of envy,
murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers ... such as the nature and use of the ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 38 a caution against.htm

The Date of the Beginning of Noonday.
... shall fall." Paul, of Samosata, became so wicked he was ... Hypocrisy and deceit were
grown to the highest pitch of ... we find no objection in making use of the year ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/the gospel day /chapter i the date of.htm

Prophecy.
... he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth ... and his grave was appointed
with the wicked, but with ... admonition of which they made no use when the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/paley/evidences of christianity/chapter i prophecy.htm

The Security of the Church
... The wicked when they can do nothing else against the ... do not refuse to talk of election,
use the word ... And 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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