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A Man of Guile

In the New Testament there was a magician who was jealous of the power demonstrated by the disciples. He lied about the disciples to the authorities.

Acts 13:8-12

8 But Elymas the magician (for thus his name is translated) was opposing them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith.
9          But Saul, who was also known as Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, fixed his gaze upon him,
10        and said, "You who are full of all deceit and fraud, you son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease to make crooked the straight ways of the Lord?
11        "And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you will be blind and not see the sun for a time." And immediately a mist and a darkness fell upon him, and he went about seeking those who would lead him by the hand.
12        Then the proconsul believed when he saw what had happened, being amazed at the teaching of the Lord. (NAS)

We cannot lie and claim to be right with God. Lying reveals the deceit and fraud that is in our hearts.

Why would people function with deceit? (Here are a few to get you started)

Want their own way.
Want to sneak past your defenses.
Guile was modeled for them from parents.

A person acting toward you with deceit does not have your best interest in mind!!!