In some translations of the Bible, the word guile describes a unique and insidious form of deception, cunning, and duplicity intended to mislead or deceive others. Much like lying and bearing false witness, it is condemned throughout Scripture. But how are the Bible’s teachings on guile relevant to Christians today, and how can the wisdom of Scripture help believers live without guile in the presence of God and others?
What Is the Definition of Guile?
The word guile may not be as common to the English language as it once was; however, the presence of guile is evident in the actions and motivations of many in the world still today.
Dictionary.com defines guile as “insidious cunning in attaining a goal, crafty or artful deception, or duplicity.” Merriam Webster’s dictionary adds that guile involves “the inclination or practice of misleading others through lies or trickery.”
Deceit, treachery, wile, fraud, trickery, ruse, guile. These are all words that communicate a similar idea. Guile even shows up in the pages of Scripture.
In fact, the first and most notable example of guile appears in just the third chapter of the Bible. We see this in the character and cunning of Satan himself, who took the form of the serpent to deceive Eve in the Garden of Eden.
The author of Genesis writes, “Now the serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made.” (Genesis 3:1a; emphasis added)
It is important to note, however, that this introduction to the serpent does not mean the same level of deceit we see in his later interaction with Eve. Here, the word “crafty” means to be prudent, practical, shrewd, aware, and sensible, and is used to distinguish the serpent from the other beasts of creation. On their own, these things can be positive character traits. In fact, Jesus would later send His disciples into the world to minister, instructing them to “be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves.” (Matthew 10:16; emphasis added)
Throughout Scripture, we see that the Lord does value wisdom, discernment, good judgment, craft, and resourcefulness (see Matthew 24:45; 25:1-13). Even the apostle Paul acknowledged that he was a crafty man. However, he also vowed to never use his wit or intelligence to deceive, mislead, or take advantage of others, especially the church (see 2 Corinthians 12:14-17). That kind of behavior is sinful and it is reflective of the dishonesty and deceit employed by Satan (the serpent) to trick Eve and lead her away from God’s commandments in the Garden of Eden (see Genesis 3:13; 2 Corinthians 11:3).
According to Scripture, this is guile. It comes from the Greek term dolos, which refers to a decoy, deceit, trick, lure, or snare. The Hebrew language has similar words that convey the same sort of deception and falsehood. Not surprisingly, guile is never portrayed as a positive in the Bible.
Examples of Guile in Scripture
The Bible reveals that guile and deception are not uncommon to the human condition. In fact, the Bible tells us that, “the heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick; Who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9; see also Psalms 52:1-4; Micah 6:12)
Jesus also taught, “that which proceeds out of the man, that is what defiles the man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed the evil thoughts, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries, deeds of coveting and wickedness, as well as deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride and foolishness. All these evil things proceed from within and defile the man.” (Mark 7:20-23; emphasis added)
Furthermore, guile and deceit can be two symptoms of one who has rejected God and been given over to a depraved mind and the sinful desires of his heart (see Romans 1:28-32).
In the Bible, we find several examples of individuals who resorted to guile to reach a goal, get ahead, or further their own cause.
In the book of Genesis, Jacob famously tricked his older brother Esau into giving up his birthright for a bowl of soup (Genesis 25:27-34). He later deceived his father Isaac into giving a blessing meant for Esau (the firstborn) to him instead (Genesis 27).
In many ways, Jacob is one of the greatest tricksters of the Bible. Perhaps it is not a coincidence, then, that Jacob’s birthname in Hebrew means “heel-catcher,” “supplanter,” or “deceiver.”
God, however, would ultimately redeem this infamous trickster and rename him Israel (Genesis 32:29-32). In doing so, God also would establish a covenant with Jacob (Israel), the same one He had made with his grandfather Abraham decades prior.
Ironically, Jacob would be on the wrong side of a similar act of guile from his would-be father-in-law Laban when he tried to marry Laban’s younger daughter, Rachel, and instead got tricked into marrying her older sister, Leah (see Genesis 29:16-30).
In the New Testament, a Christian named Ananias and his wife Sapphira also engaged in guile when they sold a piece of property and brought the proceeds from its sale to the church. At the time, the couple claimed they were handing over the full sum. However, Peter swiftly rebuked Ananias and Sapphira for their deception. As it turns out, Ananias and Sapphira had not surrendered the full amount to the church but had instead kept some for themselves. Their guile and pretense of generosity greatly displeased God. Ananias died almost immediately, and his wife fell shortly after she repeated the same falsehood (Acts 5:1-11).
Of course, one of the most infamous acts of guile can be found in the treachery and betrayal of Judas Iscariot, one of the original twelve disciples of Jesus Christ (see Matthew 26:15-16).
According to the gospels, Judas had made a secret bargain with the Pharisees, who Jesus had previously rebuked for their own false pretense of righteousness and hypocrisy (Matthew 23:27-28). In fact, it was the Pharisees and religious leaders of Israel who were already at work, plotting in secret to “seize Jesus by stealth and kill Him.” (Matthew 26:3-5; see also Mark 14:1). Judas, a member of Christ’s inner circle, merely provided the information on Jesus’ whereabouts.
In regards to Judas, John’s gospel also tells us that Judas had been stealing from the money box used by Jesus and the Twelve for ministry (John 12:6). Judas had apparently been pilfering from the group for quite some time, concealing his true character and thievery from the others while masquerading as a true believer of Jesus. Jesus, however, was never fooled or deceived by Judas’ theft or trickery. Jesus knew the state of Judas’ heart and saw through his guile and deception, even if the others did not (see John 13:27).
Today, the name Judas Iscariot is synonymous with betrayal, and his legacy is eternally defined by his treachery. However, not even Judas Iscariot can be considered the father of guile and deceit in Scripture. That title belongs to Satan alone.
We know that it was Satan who deceived Eve in the Garden of Eden and tricked her into eating the fruit God had forbidden (Genesis 3:13; see also 2 Corinthians 11:3). And it was this same spirit of deceit that entered Judas Iscariot and inspired him to betray the Son of God in the gospels (Luke 22:30).
In other passages, it is written that “Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.” (2 Corinthians 11:14). Jesus also taught that, “He (Satan) was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” (John 8:44; emphasis added)
In John’s revelation of the end times, Satan’s final downfall is further prophesied. Once again, his penchant for deception is highlighted: “and the great dragon was thrown down, the serpent of old who is called the devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.” (Revelation 12:9: emphasis added)
Today, the “father of lies” works through many false prophets, teachers, and public figures to deceive, confuse, and lead others away from the truth and the knowledge of God (Jeremiah 27:10; 29:8-9; Acts 13:9-11; 1 Timothy 4:1-2; 2 John 1:7, 9-11) The Bible refers to them as the “servants of Satan” (2 Corinthians 11:13-15) and “wolves in sheep’s clothing.” (Matthew 7:15-16) Accordingly, they will be known by their fruit.
Why Does God Value a Heart without Guile?
In contrast to the deceit and guile of Satan and his servants, the Bible reveals a God who embodies truth and who values a heart without guile.
Consider what the psalmists wrote:
- “All the paths of the Lord are lovingkindness and truth to those who keep His covenant and His testimonies” (Psalms 25:10)
- “You desire truth in the innermost being, and in the hidden part You will make me know wisdom,” (Psalms 51:6)
- “The works of His hands are truth and justice; all His precepts are sure,” (Psalms 111:7)
- “How blessed is the man to whom the Lord does not impute iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit!” (Psalms 32:2)
As an example, Jesus Himself praised the character of one of His disciples, Nathanael, proclaiming, “behold, an Israelite, indeed, in whom there is no deceit!” (John 1:47). In other translations, Jesus referred to Nathanael (also called Bartholemew) as one “in whom there is no guile.”
Of course, Nathanael was not perfect. None of Jesus’ disciples were. Each were sinners. Each had flaws. However, unlike the Pharisees and religious leaders of Jesus’ day, Nathanael was no hypocrite. He hadn’t put on a show or pretended to be something he was not to impress others, including Jesus. There was nothing fake, insincere, or deceptive about him.
Much like when God anointed David to be king of Israel, God saw through Nathanael’s outward appeared and looked into the depths his heart (see 1 Samuel 16:7). And what He found was a heart without guile.
This is something God looks for in all would-be disciples, because truth, not guile, is His nature.
Jesus proclaimed, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” (John 14:6; emphasis added; see also John 1:14, 17).
In the Bible, the Holy Spirit is also called “the Spirit of truth” (John 14:17; 15:26; 16:13); and the author of Hebrews affirms that “it is impossible for God to lie.” (Hebrews 6:18)
Furthermore, God’s Word is heralded as the source of absolute, life-giving truth (see Psalms 18:30; 19:7; 119:142, 151, 160; John 17:17). In Scripture we discover just how much God treasures and embodies truth.
Accordingly, this is God’s desire for those who claim to love Him and have been called His own. As Jesus said to those who believed in Him, “if you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” (John 8:31-32)
However, the Bible also teaches that, “there are six things which the Lord hates, yes, seven which are an abomination to Him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that run rapidly to evil, a false witness who utters lies, and one who spreads strife among brothers.” (Proverbs 6:16-19; emphasis added; see also Zechariah 8:17)
The Bible is clear that God abhors deception and the efforts of those who intentionally deceive, trick, or lead others astray. And He warns of the consequences that await those who practice guile. “My eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me; He who walks in a blameless way is the one who will minister to me. He who practices deceit shall not dwell within my house; He who speaks falsehood shall not maintain his position before me.” (Psalms 101:7)
How Can Christians Cultivate a Guileless Spirit?
In light of the Bible’s teachings on truth, the goal of Christians of all ages should be to cultivate a guileless spirit in all they do, think, and say.
Scripture offers a few practical solutions.
1. Look to Jesus Christ as the Example
Jesus proclaimed that, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.’” (John 14:6) The apostle further reminds Christians that “you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth.” (1 Peter 2:22; see also Isaiah 53:9)
Cultivating a guileless spirit begins with setting our eyes on the person of Jesus Christ, in whom there is no deceit. We must learn from His example and imitate the faith of those who have likewise committed to walking in His footsteps (1 Corinthians 11:1; 4:16; Philippians 3:17).
2. Be Honest Before the Lord, Who Sees All
Almost all deception is rooted in the effort to hide or conceal our true character and intentions from others. God, however, is never fooled, tricked, or deceived. We cannot hide from God. We cannot trick or deceive Him. The Lord sees and knows all, even what is done in secret (1 Samuel 16:7; Matthew 6:4).
David would write, “O Lord, You have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up; You understand my thought from afar. You scrutinize my path and my lying down, and are intimately acquainted with all my ways. Even before there is a word on my tongue, behold, O Lord, You know it all… Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?” (Psalms 139:1-4, 7)
Though we may successfully fool others, our goal should not be to impress the world. Rather, we must ultimately live for God’s approval and His alone (2 Timothy 2:15; Galatians 1:10). There is no need, therefore, for falsehood or pretense before a God who sees and knows our hearts. As the Bible teaches, God is looking for those who will worship Him “in spirit and in truth.” (John 4:24)
3. Ask God to Reveal and Remove Any Guile from Your Life
One of the main themes of Scripture focuses on the depravity of the human heart and the extent of man’s fallen, sinful state. Of course, many believers are aware of Romans 3:23, which teaches that “all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” Earlier in the same chapter, Paul also references the Psalms when he writes, “none is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless. No one does good, not even one.” (Romans 3:10-12; see also Psalms 14:1-3; 53:1-3)
The prophet Isaiah would even argue that “all our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment.” (Isaiah 64:6) And yet, many people still see their sin relative to those around them. They compare themselves to others and come to the false conclusion that they must not be that bad because they are not like other sinners.
However, the apostle John reminds us that, “if we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us.” (1 John 1:8)
So how do we know if there is any guile or deceit in us?
We must consider the honest, humble, and contrite prayer of David, who petitioned the Lord with these words: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me and know my anxious thoughts; and see if there be any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way.” (Psalms 139:23-24) He would later continue, “remove the false way from me, and graciously grant me Your law.” (Psalms 119:29)
Cultivating a guileless spirit, therefore, requires an honest assessment of our hearts before the Lord and a sincere desire for God to reveal and remove any guile, deceit, and false way from us.
4. Meditate on the Word of God
Of course, identifying guile in our lives also requires a commitment and an understanding of what is true in the eyes of God. Thankfully, God provides the perfect standard of truth and holiness by which to measure our lives: His Word.
It was David’s love for the Word of God that inspired him to examine his own life and see where he was falling short. “From Your precepts I get understanding,” he would write, “therefore I hate every false way.” (Psalms 119:104)
To love what God loves, Christians must know and meditate on the things God loves. Likewise, to reject the things that God hates requires that we listen when God tells us to forsake sin and the things of this world.
Thankfully, Christians are not left to their own incomplete consciences or the philosophies of this world to know how to distinguish good from evil or truth from falsehood. In His grace and love for us, God reveals what is true in His Word. “Sanctify them in the truth,” Jesus prayed to the Father, “Your word is truth.” (John 17:17; emphasis added)
A Christian who loves the Bible, meditates on the Word of God, and obeys what it says cultivates a guileless spirit, trains himself to distinguish between truth and falsehood, and develops the spiritual muscles to reject sin and guile, renew his mind according to God’s Word, and make himself a slave to truth and righteousness (see Romans 6:22-23)
What Can Christians Learn from the Bible’s Teachings on Guile?
From the Bible’s teachings on guile, Christians gain insight into the heart and character of God but also the motives and methodology of Satan. Where one is the embodiment and living source of truth and holiness, the other thrives on lies, confusion, and deception.
On the topic of guile, its divine inspiration, and its ultimate end goal, Christ’s words resound: “the thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10)
Christians must, therefore, reject guile and falsehood and never resort to lies, trickery, or deception to get ahead or put on a pretense of godliness.
However, the Bible also instructs Christians to be alert and discerning against those seeking to deceive or lead them astray (see 1 John 4:1-6; Matthew 24:4-5; Luke 21:8).
Jesus warned that many would come in His name who did not represent Him because they were never sent by Him. Furthermore, many false prophets and false teachers will present distorted and perverted messages that ultimately confuse, deceive, and lead others away from the truth and the gospel of Jesus Christ. They are to be challenged, their messages tested against the truth of God’s Word, and their fruit rejected.
The apostle Paul further reminded all Christians of their identity in Jesus Christ, the way, the truth, and the life, when he wrote, “we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming, but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ, from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.” (Ephesians 4:14-16)
The Bible commands all Christians to be people of truth, not guile, deception, or trickery. For we have been called to this purpose, following the example provided by Jesus Christ, “who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth.” (1 Peter 2:22; see also Isaiah 53:9)
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