53 Bible Verses about Self Deception

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

([Psalm of David]) Sin speaks to the ungodly deep within his heart. There is no reverence for God before his eyes. He flatters himself and does not hate or even recognize his sin. The words of his mouth are wickedness and deceit and he ceased to be wise and do good.read more.
He plans wickedness upon his bed. He walks on a path that is not good. He does not despise evil.

You have bloodstains from innocent poor people on your clothes. You did not kill them for breaking in to your home. After all this you say: 'I am innocent. God will turn his anger from me. For I have not sinned.'

The heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately corrupt. Who can understand it? I, Jehovah, search the heart and examine the mind (inner man). I give to each man according to his ways, according to the results of his deeds.

Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither fornicators, nor people who worship idols, nor adulterers, nor male prostitutes, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor covetous (greedy), nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortionists, will inherit the kingdom of God.

If we say we have not sinned we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

You say, I am rich and have become wealthy and have need of nothing." You do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked.

Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You close the kingdom of heaven to people. You do not invite others to enter nor do you enter. [Verse not found in oldest manuscripts.] Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You travel on both sea and land to make one convert. When this happens, you make him twice as deserving of destruction in the trash fires of the valley of Hinnom (Greek: Gehenna).

Woe to you Pharisees! You tithe mint and rue and every herb, and pass over justice and the love of God. You should have done these but you leave them undone. Woe to you Pharisees! You love the prominent seats in the synagogues, and the greetings in the marketplaces. Woe to you! You are as the tombs that do not appear and men walk over them and do not know it.read more.
One of the lawyers said to him: Teacher, you also insult us by saying this. Jesus said: Woe to you lawyers also! For you load men with burdens that are difficult to bear. And you will not even touch the burdens with one of your fingers. Woe to you! For you build the tombs of the prophets, and your fathers killed them. Therefore you are witnesses and consent to the works of your fathers. They killed them and you build their tombs. It is for this reason the wisdom of God said, 'I send to them prophets and apostles and they will persecute and kill some of them.' The blood of all the prophets shed from the foundation of the world may be required of this generation. This includes the blood of Abel to the blood of Zachariah, who perished between the altar and the sanctuary. I tell you it will be required of this generation. Woe to you lawyers, for you took away the key of knowledge. You did not enter in yourselves and you hindered those entering.

They answered him: We are Abraham's seed, and have never been in bondage to any man. How can you say we will be made free? Jesus answered: Truly I tell you every one who commits sin is a slave of sin.

Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, who deceive themselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man looking at his natural face in a mirror. He sees himself, and goes away, and immediately forgets what manner of man he was.read more.
But he who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and so continues, being not a hearer who forgets but a doer who works, this man will be blessed in what he does. If any man thinks he is religious, while he does not control his tongue but deceives his heart, this man's religion is vain (worthless) (useless).

Come now, you that say, Today or tomorrow we will go to this city, and spend a year there, and trade, and make profit. You do not know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? For you are a vapor (puff of air) that appears for a little while and then vanishes away. You should say, If God wills, we should both live, and do this or that.read more.
You glory in your conceit. Such glory is evil.

Prophets prophesy falsehoods. Priests rule under the prophets' directions, and my people love this. But what will you do when the end comes?'

From the least of them even to the greatest of them, everyone is greedy for gain! From the prophet even to the priest everyone deals falsely! Superficially they have healed the brokenness of my people. They declare: 'Peace! Peace!' But there is no peace.'

So I will give their wives to other men. I will give their fields to new owners. From the least even to the greatest everyone is greedy for gain. From the prophet even to the priest everyone is deceitful. They heal the brokenness of the daughter of my people superficially. They say: 'Peace! Peace!' But there is no peace.

Jehovah then told me: These are the lies that the prophets are telling in my name: They claim that I sent them. They claim that I commanded them. They claim that I spoke to them. They even dreamed up visions to tell you. Their predictions are worthless! They are the products of their own imagination. I did not send these prophets. Yet, they prophesy in my name that there will be no wars or famines in this land. So this is what I, Jehovah, say about them: 'Wars and famines will bring an end to these prophets. The people to whom they prophesy will be thrown out into the streets of Jerusalem. They will be victims of famines and wars. No one will bury them, their wives, their sons, or their daughters. I will pour on them the destruction that they deserve.'

This is what Jehovah of Hosts says: Do not listen to what the prophets are saying to you. They fill you with false hope. They speak about visions that they dreamed up. These visions are not from Jehovah. They keep saying to those who despise me, Jehovah says: 'Everything will go well for you.' They tell all who live by their own stubborn ways: 'Nothing bad will happen to you.' Who is in Jehovah's inner circle and sees and hears his word? Who pays attention and listens to his word?

Did you not see a false vision and speak a lying divination when you said 'Jehovah declares,' but it is not I who has spoken?' Therefore, the Lord Jehovah says: 'Because you have spoken falsehood and seen a lie, therefore behold, I am against you,' declares the Lord Jehovah. My hand will be against the prophets who see false visions and utter lying divinations. They will have no place in the council of my people. They will not be written down in the register of the house of Israel. And they will not enter the land of Israel, that you may know that I am the Lord Jehovah.

Jehovah spoke concerning the prophets: They make my people stray. They bite with their teeth and cry, Peace, but receive nothing in their mouths. They declare holy war on him.

He spoke an illustration to them: The land of a rich man produced well. He reasoned to himself, what will I do? I have nowhere to store my fruits? He said: I would pull down my barns and build larger barns. I will store all my grain and goods there.read more.
I will say to my self: 'You have many possessions saved for many years. Take it easy and eat, drink and be merry.' But God said to him: 'You fool this night you will give up your life. Then who will have all these things you accumulated?'

Will you steal, murder, commit adultery, swear falsely, offer sacrifices to Baal and walk after other gods that you have not known? Then come and stand before me in this house. It is called by my name. You say, 'We are safe to do all these abominations.' Has this house, called by my name, become a den of robbers in your sight? Behold, I, even I, have seen it, declares Jehovah.

You are not the only people to receive this promise and its conditions. It is for those of you who are standing here with us today in the presence of Jehovah our God and also for those who are not here today. You know how we lived in Egypt and how we passed through other countries on our way here.read more.
You saw their loathsome idols made of wood, stone, silver, and gold. Make sure that no man, woman, family, or tribe standing here today turns from Jehovah our God to serve the gods of other nations. This would be like a root that grows to be a bitter and poisonous plant. Be sure there is no one here today who hears these solemn demands and yet convinces himself that all will be well with him. He would go stubbornly on his own way. That would destroy all of you, good and evil alike. Jehovah will never be willing to forgive him, but rather the anger of Jehovah and / His jealousy will burn against that man. Every curse which is written in this book will rest on him. Jehovah will blot out his name from under heaven. Jehovah will destroy you by piling on you all the curses that are written in this book of Law. You will be forgotten forever.

Jehovah says: 'Do not deceive yourselves by thinking that the Babylonians will leave you. They will not leave you. Even if you would defeat the entire Babylonian army so that they had only a few badly wounded men left in their tents, they would get up and burn down this city!'

Bear fruit worthy of repentance! Do not presume that Abraham is your father. I tell you that God can make descendants for Abraham from these stones!

Produce fruit that is worthy of repentance. Do not say we have Abraham for our father. I tell you, that God is able to make these stones into children for Abraham.

Not everyone who calls me Lord will enter the kingdom of heaven. He who does the will of my Father in heaven will enter. Many will say to me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?' I will say to them, 'I never knew you. Depart from me, you workers of evil.'

The master of the house will close the door. You stand outside and knock on the door and say: 'Open the door for us, sir!' He will answer: 'I do not know where you come from!' Then you will answer, we ate and drank with you. You taught in our town! Again he will say: 'I do not know where you come from. Get away from me, you wicked people!'

Then he will tell those on his left: 'Depart from me, you cursed, into the ever-burning fire that is prepared for the Devil and his [fallen] angels. I was hungry and you did not feed me. I was thirsty and you did not give me drink. I was a stranger and you did not take me in. I was naked and you did not dress me. I was sick and in prison and you did not visit me.'read more.
They will also ask: 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty, a stranger or naked, sick or in prison and not minister to you?' The King will answer: 'To the extent that you did not do it to one of the least of my brothers, you did not do it to me.' These will go away into ever-burning fire (everlasting cutting off) (death) (total destruction) (doom) (punishment) (everlasting penalty), but the righteous to everlasting life.'

They answered: Our father is Abraham. Jesus replied: If you were Abraham's children, you would do the works of Abraham. You seek to kill me. I told you the truth! I heard it from God. Abraham did not do this. You do the works of your father. They said: We were not born of fornication. We have one Father, God!read more.
Jesus said: If God were your Father you would love me. I came from God! I have not come from myself. He sent me! Why do you not understand what I say? Can you not hear me? You are from your father [Satan] the Devil (slanderer) (false accuser)! You want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning. He does not stand for the truth. There is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks his own lies. He is a liar and the father of the lie! I tell you the truth and you do not believe me. Which of you convicted me of sin? If I speak truth, why do you not believe me? He that is of God hears the words of God. That is why you do not listen. You are not from God!

If you are a Jew in name and are resting on the law and taking glory in God, you know his will. You approve the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law. And you have confidence that you are a leader of the blind, a light to those in darkness.read more.
You are an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, having the form of knowledge and of truth in the law. You then who teach another, do you teach yourself? You who preach not to steal, do you steal? You who say man should not commit adultery do you commit adultery? You who abhors idols do you rob temples? You who boast in the law do you by transgression of the law dishonor God? The name of God is blasphemed on your account among the nations, just as it is written. (Ezekiel 36:20, 21) Circumcision is a benefit if you obey the law. But if you are a transgressor of the law your circumcision becomes uncircumcision. If therefore someone not circumcised obeys the requirements of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be considered circumcision? The uncircumcised person is by nature, fulfilling the law. He will judge you because you transgress the law with your written code and circumcision. He is not a Jew who is one on the outside. Neither is circumcision that which is on the outside in the flesh. But he is a Jew who is so on the inside with circumcision of the heart, in spirit, not in letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.

Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing. Obey the commandments of God.

Beware of the dogs (impure men) (false teachers)! Beware of the evil workers! Beware of the mutilation of the body. We are those with true circumcision who worship by the Spirit of God. We glory in Christ Jesus, and put no confidence in the flesh. I might have confidence even in the flesh. If any other man thinks to have confidence in the flesh, I have more!read more.
I was circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; as touching zeal, persecuting the church; as touching the righteousness which is in the law, found blameless. Things that offered gain to me I count a loss for Christ.

Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seems to be wise in this age, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. For the wisdom of this age is foolishness with God. It is written: He catches the wise in their own craftiness (deception). (Job 5:13) And again: Jehovah knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain (useless) (empty). (Psalm 94:11)

The way of a fool is right in his own eyes. He who listens to counsel is wise.

You have frightened other people. Your arrogance has deceived you. You live on rocky cliffs and occupy the highest places in the hills. Even though you build your nest as high as an eagle, I will bring you down from there, proclaims Jehovah.

Peter answered: Even if everyone falls away because of you, I will never fall away. Jesus said: I say to you, this very night, before a rooster crows, you will deny me three times. Peter protested: Even if I must die for you, I would not deny you! His disciples said the same thing.

Jesus told them: You would all be turned away from me. It is written, I will put the keeper of the sheep to death, and the sheep will be put to flight. After I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee. Peter declared to him: Even though all shall leave you I will not.read more.
Jesus said to Peter: I tell you that before the rooster crows twice tonight, you will say three times that you do not know me. Peter answered even more strongly: I will never say that, even if I have to die with you! All the other disciples said the same thing.

He said: Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death. Jesus said: I tell you Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, until you deny that you know me three times.

Peter said: Lord, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you. Jesus answered: Will you lay down your life for me? Truly I tell you the cock will not crow till you have denied me three times.

For we are not bold to number or compare ourselves with certain of them that commend themselves. But they measure themselves by themselves, and compare themselves with themselves. They are without understanding.

So if any one of you thinks you are important when you really are not, you are only fooling yourself.

Jehovah says: What do your many animal sacrifices mean to me? I have had enough of your burnt offerings of rams and enough fat from your fattened calves. I am not pleased with the blood of bulls, lambs, or male goats. Who requires you to trample on my courtyards when you appear in my presence? Do not bring any more worthless grain offerings. Your incense is disgusting to me! So are your New Moon Festivals, your days of worship, and the assemblies you call. I cannot endure your evil assemblies!read more.
I hate your New Moon Festivals and your appointed festivals. They are a burden to me. I am tired of putting up with them. When you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide my eyes from you. Even though you offer many prayers, I will not listen because your hands are full of blood. Wash yourselves! Become clean! Get your evil deeds out of my sight. Stop doing evil. Learn to do good (well) (right). Seek justice. Correct oppressors. Defend orphans. Plead the case of widows.

They seek me day by day. They delight to know my ways like a nation that has done righteousness and has not forsaken the ordinance of their God. They ask me for justice and delight. They are pleased that God is near. Why have we fasted and you do not see? Why have we humbled ourselves and you do not notice? Behold, on the day of your fast you find desire, and mistreat all your workers.' You fast for contention and strife and to strike with a wicked fist. You do not fast today to make your voice heard on high.read more.
Is it a fast like this which I choose, a day for a man to humble himself? Is it for bowing one's head like a reed (rush) and for spreading out sackcloth and ashes as a bed? Will you call this a fast, even an acceptable day to Jehovah? Is this not the fast I choose to loosen the bonds of wickedness, to undo the bands of the yoke, and to let the oppressed go free and break every yoke? Is it not to divide your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into the house? When you see the naked, should you cover him and not hide yourself from your own flesh?

Stand at the gate of Jehovah's house and proclaim there this word: 'Hear the word of Jehovah, all you of Judah who enter by these gates to worship Jehovah! Thus says Jehovah of Hosts, the God of Israel: Amend (make right) your ways and your deeds, and I will let you dwell in this place. Do not trust in deceptive words. They say: 'This is the Temple of Jehovah, the Temple of Jehovah, and the Temple of Jehovah.read more.
For if you truly amend your ways and your deeds, if you truly practice justice between a man and his neighbor, if you do not oppress the alien, the orphan, or the widow, and do not shed innocent blood in this place, nor walk after other gods to your own ruin, then I will let you dwell in this place, in the land I gave to your fathers from generation to generation and for a very long time.' You are trusting in deceptive words that are of no value to you.

I hate, I despise (reject) your feasts, and I will take no delight in your solemn assemblies. Yes, even if you offer me your burnt offerings and meal offerings, I will not accept them. Neither will I regard the peace offerings of your fat beasts. Take the noise of your songs away from me! I will not listen to the melody of your harps.read more.
Justice should roll down as waters and righteousness as a mighty stream.

Jehovah of Hosts declares to the priests: Children honor their parents and servants honor their masters. I am your father. Why do you not honor me? I am your master. Why do you not respect me? You despise me, and yet you ask: How have we despised you? This is how you despise me. You offer worthless food on my altar. Then you ask: 'How have we failed to respect you?' I tell you it is by showing contempt for my altar. You bring blind, sick and lame animals to sacrifice to me. Do you think there is nothing wrong with that? Try giving an animal like that to the governor! Would he be pleased with you or grant you any favors?read more.
Try asking God to show you favor. He will not answer your prayer! It will be your fault, Jehovah the Almighty declares. Jehovah of Hosts continues: Is there one among you who will shut the Temple doors to prevent lighting a useless fire on my altar. I am not pleased with you! I will not accept the offerings you bring me. Where ever the sun rises and sets my name will be great among the people of the nations. Incense will be offered to my name everywhere. It will be a pure offering! For my name will be great among the nations, said Jehovah of Hosts. You profane it by saying: 'The table of Jehovah is polluted and the fruit and food on it is contemptible.' And you say: 'We are tired of all this!' You turn up your nose at me. You offer the lame and the sick and even stolen animals, said Jehovah. Do you think I will accept that from you? The cheater who sacrifices a worthless animal to me will be cursed. For he has in his flock a good animal that he promised to give me! I am a great King, Jehovah of Hosts declares. People of all nations will respect my name!

Do not pray like the hypocrites! They want everyone to see them in the houses of worship and on the street corners. I assure you they have been paid in full.

Jesus said: You make yourselves look righteous to other people. God knows your hearts. The things considered of great value by people are worth nothing in God's sight.

There is a generation pure in their own eyes, and yet not washed from their filthiness.

All day long I held out my hands to an obstinate people, who walk in ways not good, pursuing their own imaginations (thoughts), a people who continually provoke me to my very face, offering sacrifices in gardens and burning incense on altars of brick. They sit among the graves and spend their nights keeping secret vigil. They eat the flesh of pigs. Their pots are full of unclean meat.read more.
They say: 'Keep away! Do not come near me, for I am too sacred for you! Such people are smoke in my nostrils, a fire that keeps burning all day.'

He then spoke this illustration to some who trusted in themselves. They were very self-righteous. They looked down on others: Two men went to the temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed like this: God, I thank you, that I am not like the rest of men, extortionists, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector.read more.
I fast twice per week. I give tithes of all that I get. But the tax collector stood far away and would not lift up so much as his eyes to heaven. He beat his breast, saying: God, be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you the tax collector and not the Pharisee was right with God when he went home. He who exalts himself will be humbled! He who humbles himself will be exalted!

His invisible attributes are clearly seen since the creation of the world. The things made prove His eternal power and divine nature. Mankind has no excuse, for when they knew God, they did not glorify him as God. They did not thank him and were vain in their reasoning, for their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools.read more.
They changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and four-footed beasts, and creeping things.

But the rest of the wood they make into gods, carved statues. They bow to them and worship them. They pray to them and say: Rescue us, because you are our gods. They do not know or understand anything. Their eyes are plastered shut and cannot see. Their minds are closed and therefore they cannot understand. No one stops to think. No one has enough knowledge or understanding to say: I burned half of the wood in the fire. I also baked bread over its coals. I roasted meat and ate it. Now I am making the rest of the wood into a disgusting thing and bowing to a block of wood.read more.
They eat ashes because they are deceived. Their own misguided minds lead them astray. They cannot rescue themselves or ask themselves: Is what I hold in my right hand a false god?