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◄ Deceit: Work►

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Deceit, in the context of work, is a significant theme in the Bible, reflecting the moral and ethical standards expected of individuals in their professional and daily lives. The Scriptures provide numerous examples and teachings that highlight the dangers and consequences of deceitful practices in work, emphasizing the importance of integrity and honesty.

Biblical Definition and Context

Deceit, as understood biblically, involves the act of misleading or deceiving others through falsehoods, trickery, or dishonest practices. In the workplace, deceit can manifest in various forms, such as lying, cheating, fraud, or any action that seeks to gain an unfair advantage over others. The Bible consistently condemns deceit, urging believers to uphold truth and righteousness in all their dealings.

Old Testament Insights

The Old Testament provides several narratives and laws that address deceit in work.Leviticus 19:11 commands, "You must not steal. You must not lie or deceive one another." This directive underscores the expectation of honesty among God's people, extending to all aspects of life, including work.

Proverbs, a book rich in wisdom literature, frequently warns against deceitful practices.Proverbs 11:1 states, "Dishonest scales are an abomination to the LORD, but an accurate weight is His delight." This verse metaphorically addresses the use of deceit in business transactions, highlighting God's disdain for dishonesty and His pleasure in fairness and integrity.

New Testament Teachings

The New Testament continues to emphasize the importance of honesty and integrity in work. InEphesians 4:25, Paul exhorts believers, "Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one another." This instruction reflects the communal aspect of Christian life, where deceit not only harms individuals but also disrupts the unity and trust within the body of Christ.

Colossians 3:9-10 further instructs, "Do not lie to one another, since you have taken off the old self with its practices, and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator." Here, deceit is associated with the old, sinful nature, and believers are called to embrace their new identity in Christ, characterized by truthfulness and integrity.

Consequences of Deceit

The Bible warns of the consequences that deceitful practices can bring. InProverbs 12:22, it is written, "Lying lips are detestable to the LORD, but those who deal faithfully are His delight." This verse not only highlights God's aversion to deceit but also His favor towards those who act with faithfulness and truth.

The account of Ananias and Sapphira inActs 5:1-11 serves as a sobering example of the severe consequences of deceit. Their attempt to deceive the early church about the proceeds from the sale of their property resulted in their sudden deaths, demonstrating the seriousness with which God views deceit.

Encouragement for Integrity

The Bible encourages believers to pursue integrity and honesty in all their work-related endeavors.Psalm 15:1-2 asks, "LORD, who may dwell in Your tent? Who may live on Your holy mountain? He who walks with integrity and practices righteousness, who speaks the truth from his heart." This passage associates integrity with closeness to God, suggesting that those who live truthfully are welcomed into His presence.

In all aspects of work, believers are called to reflect the character of God, who is described as a God of truth (Deuteronomy 32:4). By rejecting deceit and embracing honesty, Christians bear witness to their faith and uphold the values of the Kingdom of God in their professional lives.

Nave's Topical Index

Proverbs 11:18
The wicked works a deceitful work: but to him that sows righteousness shall be a sure reward.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

A Good Declaring of Some Certain Deceits that May Befall in this...
... Thisdeceit of false feeling, and of false knowing following thereon, hath diverse
and... I trow thou shalt be assailed if ever thou purpose thee towork in this...

Another Cavil Met, IE , the Devil who Instigated Man to Sin...
... Himself the Creature of God Nay, the Primeval Cherub Only Was God'sWork.... Now, whence
originated this malice of lying anddeceit towards man, and slandering of...

The WitheringWork of the Spirit
... the ministry of John the Baptist first, and should be the preparatorywork of the...
decay; the true nature of the flesh is thus discovered, itsdeceit is laid...

Motives from the Benefits ofWork
... so it hath too plainly proved: and whence is all this strangedeceit of heart... They
thought not that a thorough reformation would multiply their ownwork; but we...

Psalm x.
... heaven" [389] (ver.9). "He lieth in wait in a secret place, as a lion in his den."
By a lion in a den, he means one in whom both violence anddeceit willwork....

Selections from theWork against Heresies by Irenaeus, Bishop of...
... Since it is in many respects part of onework to explain and to refute them... made
according to the image and likeness of God"not snatching bydeceit what was...

TheWork of Jesus Christ as an Advocate,
... THEWORK OF JESUS CHRIST AS AN ADVOCATE,. CLEARLY EXPLAINED, AND LARGELY IMPROVED,
FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL BELIEVERS.... THEWORK OF JESUS CHRIST AS AN ADVOCATE....

We are Warned not Only in Civil Law, but Also in the Holy...
... But when he came to their country and thedeceit was found out,"for though... pay the
penalty, however, by forcing them to undertake the lowest kind ofwork....

Jesus, Accordingly, in Turning Away the Minds of his Disciples...
... of the antichrists, and of those who feign that they canwork miracles as being... the
works of Christ and His disciples had for their fruit, notdeceit, but the...

That Men Should have Great Wariness So that they Understand not...
... For in misconceiving of these two words hangeth much error, and muchdeceit in them...
covetyse to hid things, that they be therefore called to thatwork by grace...