Topical Bible: Hatred: Often Cloaked by Deceit

◄ Hatred: Often Cloaked by Deceit ►

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Hatred, a profound and intense emotional aversion, is frequently addressed in the Bible as a destructive force that can be masked by deceit. The Scriptures provide numerous examples and teachings that reveal how hatred, when hidden behind a facade of falsehood, can lead to discord and moral decay.

Biblical Instances of Hatred Cloaked by Deceit

One of the earliest examples of hatred concealed by deceit is found in the account of Cain and Abel. Cain harbored deep-seated resentment towards his brother Abel, which ultimately led to murder. Although Cain initially feigned ignorance when God inquired about Abel's whereabouts, his deceit could not hide the hatred in his heart. Genesis 4:9-10 states, "And the LORD said to Cain, 'Where is your brother Abel?' 'I do not know,' he answered. 'Am I my brother’s keeper?' 'What have you done?' replied the LORD. 'The voice of your brother’s blood cries out to Me from the ground.'"

Another poignant example is found in the account of Joseph and his brothers. Driven by jealousy and hatred, Joseph's brothers plotted against him, ultimately selling him into slavery while deceiving their father, Jacob, into believing that Joseph had been killed by a wild animal. Genesis 37:31-33 recounts, "Then they took Joseph’s robe, slaughtered a young goat, and dipped the robe in its blood. They sent the robe of many colors to their father and said, 'We found this. Examine it to see whether it is your son’s robe or not.' His father recognized it and said, 'It is my son’s robe. A vicious animal has devoured him. Joseph has surely been torn to pieces!'"

Teachings on Hatred and Deceit

The Bible warns against the dangers of harboring hatred and using deceit as a cover. Proverbs 26:24-26 cautions, "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."

The New Testament further emphasizes the importance of sincerity and love, contrasting it with the destructive nature of hatred. In 1 John 3:15 , the apostle John writes, "Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that eternal life does not reside in a murderer." This passage underscores the gravity of hatred and its incompatibility with the Christian call to love and truth.

The Call to Love and Truth

The Bible consistently calls believers to reject hatred and deceit, urging them instead to embrace love and truth. Jesus Christ, in His teachings, highlighted the importance of love as the greatest commandment. In Matthew 22:37-39 , Jesus declares, "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"

The apostle Paul echoes this sentiment in Romans 12:9 , "Love must be sincere. Detest what is evil; cling to what is good." This exhortation to genuine love and the rejection of evil, including deceit and hatred, is a foundational principle for Christian living.

Conclusion

The Bible's teachings on hatred and deceit serve as a timeless reminder of the destructive power of these vices. Through the examples of Cain, Joseph's brothers, and the wisdom of Proverbs, Scripture reveals the insidious nature of hatred when cloaked by deceit. Believers are called to a higher standard, one of love, sincerity, and truth, reflecting the character of Christ in their lives.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 10:18
He that hides hatred with lying lips, and he that utters a slander, is a fool.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 26:26
Whose hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be showed before the whole congregation.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Iranian Conquest
... incarnate in any form but that of beasts; their hatred, however, is ... The classical
writers maintain that the Magi often cloaked monstrous vices under their ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm

Introduction. Chapter i. --The Life and Writings of St. Hilary of ...
... The exegesis is often the same as that of Origen, but a comparison of the ... to say
that Constantius was animated with a strong personal hatred against Athanasius ...
/.../introduction chapter i the life and.htm

Answer to Eunomius' Second Book .
... design, though the blasphemy is cloaked in different ... of this treatise; dogmatizers
of deceit who seek to ... cowardice and audacity, friendship and hatred, and all ...
/.../gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/answer to eunomius second book.htm