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Parenting by the Book

Proverbs   Study
Study 239

STUDY 239

Text: Proverbs 20
22 January 2006

Dear Parents,

THE PROBLEM OF DECEIT
Deceit is always presented as a sin. It is also always associated with the Devil in the Scriptures. The following text gives good evidence about the work of the Devil as a Deceiver.

So the great dragon was cast out,
that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan,
who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth,
and his angels were cast out with him.

Revelation 12:9

One of the most deadly works of the devil is his use of deception. It is important that we steer our children away from “deceit”.

THE SNARE OF DECEIT
Why is deceit so powerful? Why do people who know that deceit is associated with the devil still practise it? The following text may give us an important insight.

Bread gained by deceit is sweet to a man,
But afterward his mouth will be filled with gravel.

Proverbs 20:17

1. Deceit appears as “sweet”

Because we have a fallen human nature, sin can actually appear “attractive”. The Biblical word is “sweet”. (It is not in fact “sweet”.)

2. Gain through deceit

There are two ways to obtain gain. One is the honest way. The other is the way of deceit. Between the two ways, the latter appears to be more appealing to our fallen human nature.

3. The aftermath of deceit is not foreseen

Deceit is such that it causes the individual not to notice the consequences of deceit. The individual may even think that there are no consequences to deceit at all.

THE CONSEQUENCES OF DECEIT
Deceit will reap its own fruit. It is important that we teach our children to look at the consequences of every action taken. What is the consequence of practising deceit?

… afterward his mouth is filled with gravel.

Proverbs 20:17b

How palatable is gravel? It is certainly “not sweet”. The path of deceit is to be avoided at all cost.

Prayerfully,
Pastor Charlie

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