The Sin of Deception

Deception is defined as: the act of making someone believe something that is not true; the act of deceiving someone; an act or statement intended to make people believe something that is not true. There are various ways in which an individual can be deceived.

• Lies: making up information or giving information that is the opposite or very different from the truth.
• Equivocations: making an indirect, ambiguous, or contradictory statement.
• Exaggerations: overstatement or stretching the truth to a degree.
• Understatements: minimization or downplaying aspects of the truth.
• Concealments: omitting information that is important or relevant to the given context, or engaging in behavior that helps hide relevant information.

In the Bible, we can read where the authors of deception are said to be Satan (Revelation 12:9), evil men (2 Timothy 3:13) and false teachers (2 Corinthians 11:13). We know that individuals who practice deception are not pleasing to God and will give an account for their actions at the judgment day (2 Corinthians 5:10).

Who Is Deceived? There are several occurrences in the Bible that show us who it is that is deceived. We know that the one who hears the word but does not do it, deceives himself (James 1:22). The one who does not bridle his tongue deceives himself (James 1:26). If one thinks too highly of himself, he deceives himself (Galatians 6:3). If one says they have no sin, he deceives himself (1 John 1:8). And, if one expects to reap what he did not sow, he deceives himself (Galatians 6:7).

How Are People Deceived? There are many different ways in which an individual can be deceived. Most often it is the result of sin (Hebrews 3:13). Deception can also come from riches (Matthew 13:22), smooth words (Romans 16:18), false promises (2 Peter 2:18-19), empty words, (Ephesians 5:6), and even by our own selves (1 Corinthians 3:18).

We do not have to be deceived. In fact the Bible says “Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren” (James 1:16). We must be determined to know the truth and practice the truth so that we will not be deceived. Let us not forget that we are to “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8).