What Does the Bible Say About Deceit?

1. #1Psalms 101:7

   He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house: he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight.

   BSBNo one who practices deceit shall dwell in my house; no one who tells lies shall stand in my presence.

2. #2Proverbs 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.

   BSBThere are six things that the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to Him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that run swiftly to evil, a false witness who gives false testimony, and one who stirs up discord among brothers.

3. #3Proverbs 20:17

   Bread of deceit is sweet to a man; but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel.

   BSBFood gained by fraud is sweet to a man, but later his mouth is full of gravel.

4. #4Proverbs 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.

   BSBA 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.

5. #5Psalms 120:2

   Deliver my soul, O Lord, from lying lips, and from a deceitful tongue.

   BSBDeliver my soul, O LORD, from lying lips and a deceitful tongue.

6. #6Romans 16:18

   For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.

   BSBFor such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.

7. #7Jeremiah 17:9

   The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?

   BSBThe heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?

8. #8Psalms 36:3

   The words of his mouth are iniquity and deceit: he hath left off to be wise, and to do good.

   BSBThe words of his mouth are wicked and deceitful; he has ceased to be wise and well-doing.

9. #9Colossians 2:8

   Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

   BSBSee to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, which are based on human tradition and the spiritual forces of the world rather than on Christ.

10. #10Psalms 43:1

    Judge me, O God, and plead my cause against an ungodly nation: O deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man.

    BSBVindicate me, O God, and plead my case against an ungodly nation; deliver me from deceitful and unjust men.

11. #11Proverbs 19:9

    A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish.

    BSBA false witness will not go unpunished, and one who pours out lies will perish.

12. #121 Peter 3:10

    For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:

    BSBFor, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech.

Verse rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY). Scripture: KJV & BSB (public domain).

Deceit in Nave's Topical Bible

Deceit in Torrey's Topical Textbook

Related topics

• Lying
• Dealing with a Liar
• Dishonest People
• Our Tongue
• What Happens to Pastor That Lies
• Dishonesty
• Honesty
• Telling a Lie
• Liars
• Bearing False Witness