What does the Bible say about self-delusion?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible warns that self-delusion springs from sinful pride, flattering oneself with false security while resisting God’s truth, and it calls us to humble repentance and faith in Christ. Psalm 49:18 and Psalm 30:6 expose the temptation to bless ourselves and presume our prosperity cannot fail. Hosea 12:8 shows how wealth can hide guilt, while Luke 12:17-19 portrays the fool who trusts his stored goods rather than God. Psalm 81:11-12 and Hosea 4:17 soberly describe God giving stubborn people over to their chosen ways. Proverbs 14:12 reminds us that a path may seem right yet end in death. Through the gospel, God grants love for the truth rather than the deception described in 2 Thessalonians 2:10-11.
Study outline
Curated topical outlines from classic public-domain study works.
Nave's Topical Bible
- A characteristic of wicked people Psalms 49:18
- Prosperity frequently leads to Psalms 30:6; Hosea 12:8; Luke 12:17-19
- Obstinate sinners often given up to Psalms 81:11; Psalms 81:12; Hosea 4:17; 2 Thessalonians 2:10; 2 Thessalonians 2:11
- Exhibited in thinking that
- Our own ways are right Proverbs 14:12
- We should adhere to established wicked practices Jeremiah 44:17
- We are pure Proverbs 30:12
- We are better than others Luke 18:11
- We are rich in spiritual things Revelation 3:17
- We may have peace while in sin Deuteronomy 29:19
- We are above adversity Psalms 10:6
- Gifts entitle us to go to heaven Matthew 7:21; Matthew 7:22
- Privileges entitle us to enter heaven Matthew 3:9; Luke 13:25; Luke 13:26
- God will not punish our sins Jeremiah 5:12
- Christ will not come to condemn us 2 Peter 3:4
- Our lives will be prolonged Isaiah 56:12; Luke 12:19; James 4:13
- Frequently persevered in, to the end Matthew 7:22; Matthew 25:11; Matthew 25:12; Luke 13:24; Luke 13:25
- Fatal consequences of Matthew 7:23; Matthew 24:48-51; Luke 12:20; 1 Thessalonians 5:3
- EXEMPLIFIED
- Ahab 1 Kings 20:27; 1 Kings 20:34
- Israelites Hosea 12:8
- Jews John 8:33; John 8:41
- The Laodicean congregation Revelation 3:17
- See CONFIDENCE, FALSE
- See SECURITY, FALSE
Torrey's New Topical Textbook
- A characteristic of the wicked Psalms 49:18
- Prosperity frequently leads to Psalms 30:6; Hosea 12:8; Luke 12:17-19
- Obstinate sinners often given up to Psalms 81:11; Psalms 81:12; Hosea 4:17; 2 Thessalonians 2:10; 2 Thessalonians 2:11
- Exhibited in thinking that
- Our own ways are right Proverbs 14:12
- We should adhere to established wicked practices Jeremiah 44:17
- We are pure Proverbs 30:12
- We are better than others Luke 18:11
- We are rich in spiritual things Revelation 3:17
- We may have peace while in sin Deuteronomy 29:19
- We are above adversity Psalms 10:6
- Gifts entitle us to heaven Matthew 7:21; Matthew 7:22
- Privileges entitle us to heaven Matthew 3:9; Luke 13:25; Luke 13:26
- God will not punish our sins Psalms 10:11; Jeremiah 5:12
- Christ shall not come to judge 2 Peter 3:4
- Our lives shall be prolonged Isaiah 56:12; Luke 12:19; James 4:13
- Frequently preserved in, to the last Matthew 7:22; Matthew 25:11; Matthew 25:12; Luke 13:24; Luke 13:25
- Fatal consequences of Matthew 7:23; Matthew 24:48-51; Luke 12:20; 1 Thessalonians 5:3
- Exemplified
- Ahab 1 Kings 20:27; 1 Kings 20:34
- Israelites Hosea 12:8
- Jews John 8:33; John 8:41
- Church of Laodicea Revelation 3:17
- Babylon Isaiah 47:7-11
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