12 Bible Verses About Deceit

Written by: Evelyn Johnson
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Bible verses about deceit

Here are twelve powerful Bible verses about deceit:

1. Proverbs 12:22 – “Lying lips are abomination to the Lord: but they that deal truly are his delight.”
2. Proverbs 11:3 – “The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.”
3. Proverbs 6:16-19 – “These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.”
4. Ephesians 4:25 – “Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.”
5. Colossians 3:9 – “Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds.”
6. Proverbs 14:5 – “A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies.”

7. Psalm 101:7 – “He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house: he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight.”
8. Proverbs 19:5 – “A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape.”
9. Proverbs 20:17 – “Bread of deceit is sweet to a man; but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel.”
10. Proverbs 26:24-26 – “He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, and layeth up deceit within him; When he speaketh fair, believe him not: for there are seven abominations in his heart. Whose hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be shewed before the whole congregation.”
11. Jeremiah 9:6 – “Thine habitation is in the midst of deceit; through deceit they refuse to know me, saith the Lord.”
12. Romans 3:13 – “Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips.”

What does the bible say about deceit?

The Bible strongly condemns deceit and lying.

It emphasizes the importance of honesty, integrity, and truthfulness in all aspects of life.

Deceit is seen as a sin that goes against God’s will and damages relationships with others.

The Bible teaches that deceitful actions will ultimately be exposed and lead to negative consequences.

It encourages believers to speak the truth in love and to live with sincerity and transparency.

Ultimately, the Bible teaches that God is a God of truth and righteousness, and followers are called to reflect these qualities in their own lives.

What Bible chapters should you read if you want to learn more about deceit?

1. Genesis 27 – This chapter tells the story of Jacob deceiving his father Isaac in order to receive his brother Esau’s blessing. It highlights the consequences of deceit and how it can lead to broken relationships and family discord.

2. Proverbs 6 – This chapter warns against the sin of deceit and emphasizes the importance of honesty and integrity in all aspects of life. It provides practical advice on avoiding deceitful behavior and the negative consequences that can result from it.

3. Matthew 26 – This chapter recounts the betrayal of Jesus by Judas Iscariot, who deceived Jesus and the other disciples for personal gain. It serves as a powerful reminder of the destructive nature of deceit and the ultimate consequences it can have on individuals and communities.

Reading these chapters can provide valuable insights into the consequences of deceit and the importance of honesty and integrity in relationships and interactions with others. They serve as cautionary tales and reminders of the destructive nature of deceit and the importance of living a truthful and authentic life.

Ideas and concepts related to deceit that are also taught or mentioned in the Bible.’

1. Lying: The Bible speaks against lying, which is a deliberate act of deceit. Proverbs 12:22 states, “The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.” Lying is seen as a sin that goes against God’s commandments and can lead to further deceitful behavior.

2. Hypocrisy: Hypocrisy involves pretending to have beliefs, virtues, or qualities that one does not actually possess. In the Bible, Jesus often condemned the Pharisees for their hypocrisy, as they outwardly appeared righteous but were full of deceit and wickedness (Matthew 23:27-28). Hypocrisy is closely related to deceit as it involves presenting a false image to others.

3. Flattery: Flattery is insincere praise or compliments given to manipulate or deceive someone. Proverbs 26:28 warns, “A lying tongue hates those it hurts, and a flattering mouth works ruin.” Flattery is a form of deceit that can be used to gain favor or advantage over others.

4. Manipulation: Manipulation involves controlling or influencing someone in a deceptive or dishonest way. In the Bible, we see examples of manipulation in stories such as Jacob deceiving his father Isaac to receive his brother Esau’s blessing (Genesis 27). Manipulation is a form of deceit that can harm relationships and lead to further dishonest behavior.

Overall, these concepts related to deceit in the Bible highlight the importance of honesty, integrity, and authenticity in our interactions with others. Deceitful behavior is seen as sinful and goes against God’s teachings on truthfulness and righteousness.

Evelyn Johnson - Bible Verses
Written by Evelyn Johnson


Evelyn Johnson is a theologian, Bible expert, and the founder of EncouragingBibleVerses.org, a trusted resource for uplifting and empowering Bible verses.

With a Master's degree in Divinity, Evelyn is dedicated to studying and interpreting the Bible. Her website features curated collections of verses on various topics, along with insightful commentary and practical tips for everyday life.

Evelyn is also a sought-after speaker and author on matters of faith and spirituality. In her free time, she enjoys hiking and volunteering in her local church and community.

Learn more about her and read her other articles here.