Deception is using wrong methods to get what we want.  Deception lies to others. Deception is not honest or straight forward; it is not a “sunshine law.”  (A “sunshine law” is transparency; open for anyone to see.)

Among some families, deceptions are practiced.  Such an example is the family of Isaac and Rebekah.

Isaac asked his oldest and favorite son to hunt game and prepare him a meal… then he would bless Esau.  If you do something for me… then I will do something for you.  Isaac was deceiving his wife and youngest son.  Isaac knew the prophecy the Lord God had given his wife, Rebekah, when she was carrying the twins in her womb.  The prophecy stated the younger would be stronger than the older twin and the older would serve the younger. (Genesis 25:23)

Rebekah overheard Isaac’s request and quickly made a plan of deception involving Jacob, the younger son.  She told Jacob what Isaac said.   She then told Jacob to kill two young goats and she would prepare a “savory” meal and Jacob would take it to Isaac.  Did Jacob argue with his mother or say “This is not the right way?”  No, he did not; he went along with the deception.  (Genesis 27:1-10)

What did Jacob say?
(NASB) Genesis 27:11-12 “Jacob answered his mother Rebekah, ‘Behold, Esau my brother is a hairy man and I am a smooth man.
12 ‘Perhaps my father will feel me, then I will be as a deceiver in his sight, and I will bring upon myself a curse and not a blessing.”

Did you read that?!  Jacob did not want to “be as a deceiver” in the sight of his father.  He was concerned, not for deceiving Isaac but fearing he would receive a curse if caught.
How self-serving is that?!!!

Is there a person you are actively deceiving today?  If so, there will be a price to be paid.

Rebekah said that if there was any curse, it would be hers, not Jacob’s.
What was the price this mother and son paid?  They never saw one another again.
Another price Jacob paid: he lived in fear of his brother Esau for years!

Deceptions are self-serving and self-deceiving

~ Take it to heart ~

(NASB) Proverbs 12:20a “Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil… ”

Is your heart devising an evil plan of deceit?

(Amplified Bible) Proverbs 12:20b “… But for the counselors of peace there is joy.”

Or, are you a counselor of peace?