Trickery is a concept frequently addressed in the Bible, shedding light on its implications and consequences. The Bible provides guidance on deception and manipulation, emphasizing the importance of righteousness, truthfulness, and uprightness.
What the Bible Says about Trickery
The Bible conveys a clear message against deceit in several of its books. It underscores the point that dishonesty and manipulation for personal gain will result in negative consequences and that one should avoid such behavior. The Bible urges its adherents to cultivate a spirit of integrity and honesty and to uphold these principles even when faced with the temptation of personal gain through trickery. These teachings serve as moral directives for believers, urging them to counter deceit with righteousness, even in the face of adversity.
Why Trickery Is Condemned in the Bible
In the Bible, trickery is seen as a violation of God’s laws. It suggests that deception undermines the bond of trust that should exist among individuals, and more importantly, the relationship that people should have with God. Trickery is depicted as incompatible with the requirements of a righteous life, and it is condemned because it goes against the principles of honesty, mutual respect, and loving one’s neighbor as oneself. It is a behavior that the Bible unmistakably disapproves of, informing believers that such actions are not condoned by God and can lead to adverse outcomes.
When Trickery is Discussed in the Bible
As a book that offers guidance on moral and ethical conduct, the Bible discusses trickery in various contexts. Deception and manipulation are mentioned in connection with tales of personal relationships, social transactions, as well as in the broader struggles between good and evil. Instances of trickery are used as illustrative examples for teaching believers about the value of honesty and the potential repercussions of dishonesty. These narrative instances serve as life lessons on the importance of integrity, encouraging believers to act truthfully and refrain from engaging in deceitful acts.
Who Is Impacted by Trickery in the Bible
The Bible presents stories where different individuals are both perpetrators and victims of deceit. These characters range from common people to prophets, kings and queens, stressing that trickery is a universal issue that affects all strata of society. Both the individuals who resort to deceit and those who are deceived by it suffer consequences, which underlines the gravity and undesirability of trickery. The victims of trickery often experience betrayal, loss, or disillusionment, while the deceivers invite divine dissatisfaction and punishment.
Where Integrity Is Encouraged over Trickery in the Bible
The Bible emphasizes the importance of integrity throughout its pages, advocating for truthfulness over deceit in all areas of life. Discourses against deception and calls for honesty appear in relation to personal relationships, business transactions, legal matters, and the overall journey towards spiritual salvation. Such texts impart a clear message against trickery, asserting that a life led with honesty and integrity aligns with God’s will and is more likely to bring true happiness and prosperity. It extols the virtues of truthfulness and righteousness, reinforcing the understanding that trickery is antithetical to these values and thus, should be shunned.
Below is our full list of bible verses on trickery (King James Version – KJV) provided in ranked order.
Most Popular Bible Verses About Trickery
Proverbs 6:16-19
“16 These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.”
Related Themes: Gossip Abomination Lying Pride
Genesis 3:1
“1 Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?”
Related Themes: Reaping What You Sow Discernment Satan Wisdom Satan
Ephesians 6:11
“11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”
Related Themes: Temptation Satan Perseverance Safety Devil
1 John 4:1
“1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.”
Related Themes: Discernment Confusion Lying Judging Others Magic
1 Corinthians 10:13
“13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”
Related Themes: Lust Self-Control Addiction Strength Temptation
Hosea 4:6
“6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.”
Ephesians 4:14
“14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;”
Related Themes: Hate Maturity Arguing Perseverance Doubt
Matthew 24:24
“24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.”
Related Themes: Discernment Earth Deception
2 Peter 2:1
“1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.”
Related Themes: Social Justice Manipulation Greed Heresy Deception
Proverbs 26:18-19
“18 As a mad man who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death,19 So is the man that deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am not I in sport?”
Related Themes: Reputation Lying Sarcasm Joking Teasing
1 Peter 5:8
“8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:”
Related Themes: Lust Business Addiction Satan Self-Control
