What does the Bible teach about deceitfulness?

Does getting the right end results always justify the means of accomplishing our goals?  So often we hear – what harm does it cause to say a little white lie, if it helps gets things done or resolve a misunderstanding?  On a short-term basis, you can often get quick results by playing around with the “wiggle room” in a situation, simply by taking part of the facts and quoting them out of context in a convincing manner.  Long-term though, the same results are usually not achieved as people usually catch onto the little ploys to deceive and/or manipulate them into doing something against their principles.

In some churches, pastors or church leaders may try to mislead the congregation by quoting Bible verses out of context and twisting the words around to accomplish a particular short-term goal, such as trying to get them to give more money to the church.  As a result, many believers may often overlook the minor discrepancies of the misquoted verses, since they are usually shamed into giving more money to the church.  However, over time, many of these same believers will get tired of these same deceptive antics used to manipulate and/or coerce their feelings into financially supporting the church, especially once they realize their money may be going to support a church that does not practice integrity.

 

Similarly, you can see the same practices played among friends or family members in a disagreement or argument, as one or more of the parties involved may try to pull the facts of the situation out of context.  A lot of people who are trying to peacefully resolve a disagreement in a prompt manner may actually become infuriated, if they realize that someone is not being truthful in the situation.  As a result, many arguments that could have been easily resolved in a matter of a few minutes with truthful dialogue instead end up as broken friendships and/or relationships due to a lack of trust.  In other words, how can you peacefully resolve a dispute among people with integrity…if one or more people are not being completely honest?

Even in the business world, deceit is often considered a rampant part of doing business in many circles.  How many times have you known people who have experienced buyer’s remorse after falling for switch and bait techniques, where a business advertises a nicer product while at the same time actually selling you a cheaper product?  Consider some of those car dealerships that try to have you sign the dotted line in purchasing a used car at a great price with financing, just to find out that they want to try recouping some of their losses by adding on a lot of other expensive things to your bill…such as window etching for possible auto theft or gap insurance because all of the hidden add-ons increased your loan-to-debt ratio.

In Apostle Paul’s letter to the Romans, deceit was included among a list of several sinful behaviors.  He also instructed the Colossians not to lie to one another, because it was considered one of the many practices associated with a believer’s former sinful life.

“Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done.  They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity.  They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice.” (Romans 1: 28-29 NIV, italics added for emphasis)

“Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices.”  (Colossians 3:9 NIV)

Overall, believers and churches should refrain from using any deceitful tactics in how they handle their personal or business affairs with others.  The reason being, it can sometimes take years to build up trust and respect with others, but all of that can be lost within minutes by not being honest and truthful.  Simply said, the end result does not always justify the means…if people try to accomplish goals by using deceitful practices.  As believers mature, they will understand the importance of handling all of their personal and business matters with integrity.