Self Deception
Summary
The frauds we practice upon ourselves in judging our own state, character, and conduct—enhancing virtues while ignoring faults.
☩Forms of Self-Deception
Self-deception includes enhancing our good qualities while ignoring evils, excusing our conduct as extenuated by circumstances, confounding mere remorse with genuine repentance, and over-estimating our faith, works, and repentance. We often attribute to settled principles what is merely effect of natural temper, and compare ourselves favorably to others or to our former selves.
☩Dangers
Self-deception renders men slaves of procrastination, leads them to overrate themselves, flatters them with an idea of easy victory, and confirms evil habits. Its range includes deceptions about God, Christ, the Holy Spirit, Scripture, experience, and our own spiritual condition.
☩Prevention
The means of avoiding self-deception are strict self-inquiry, prayer, watchfulness, and diligent study of God's Word as the rule of duty. We must examine ourselves honestly, taking the Scriptures as our standard rather than our own feelings or the conduct of others.
Related Verses1 mention
James· 1 verse
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Self Deception," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.Charles Buck, "Self-Deception," in A Theological Dictionary (Charles Buck (London), 1802).
- 3.John McClintock and James Strong, "Self Deception," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 4.John McClintock and James Strong, "Self Deception," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 5.John McClintock and James Strong, "Self Deception," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 6.Charles Buck, "Self-Deception," in A Theological Dictionary (Charles Buck (London), 1802).