You’re probably familiar with the word “guile” even if you don’t hear it that often.
It’s one of those old-fashioned words that conjures up images of deceit and trickery.
When you think about it, guile doesn’t really have many positive or neutral uses – it’s almost always talking about the shady side of human nature.
That makes sense when you consider its meaning.
See, guile refers to being cunning in a deceptive way.
It’s about achieving goals through clever but underhanded means.
The Bible has a lot to say about guile, both warning against it and showing how it operates.
As we explore the biblical meaning of guile, we’ll gain insight into this complex word and why Scripture urges us to avoid it in all its forms.
Stick around as we unravel the layers of guile and how it runs counter to living an upright life.
Defining Guile in the Bible
Guile refers to cunning, craftiness, or deceitfulness.
In the Bible, guile is usually portrayed negatively, as a sinful act of deception or trickery.
However, there are a few instances where guile is used in a more positive sense.
Guile as Deception
More often than not, the Bible condemns guile as a sin.
Deception and trickery go against God’s desire for honesty, integrity, and truth.
For example, Psalm 55:11 says, “deceit and guile depart not from her streets.” Likewise, 1 Peter 2:1 urges Christians to “lay aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings.”
Guile as Wisdom
In a few cases, the Bible presents guile in a more positive light, associating it with wisdom or prudence.
For instance, Jesus tells his disciples in Matthew 10:16 to “be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.” The wisdom of serpents implies a certain degree of shrewdness or cunning.
Similarly, 2 Samuel 22:27 says that God shows himself “subtil” (KJV) or “shrewd” (NIV) toward the pure.
Discerning When Guile is Appropriate
As with many qualities, guile is something that depends greatly on context and motivations.
Deceptive guile meant to harm others or violate God’s standards is sinful.
However, a certain level of wisdom, shrewdness or prudence can be positive.
The Bible calls us to pursue purity, honesty and truth while also being “as wise as serpents.” Discerning when guile is appropriate and when it crosses the line is a matter of godly wisdom and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Guile as Deceit and Cunning
Deceit and cunning are two sides of the same coin, and in the Bible, guile refers to using sly or clever tactics to deceive others or get what you want.
The serpent exhibited guile when deceiving Eve in the Garden of Eden.
He cunningly twisted God’s words to make the forbidden fruit seem appealing and convince Eve to disobey God’s command.
Likewise, Jacob used guile to steal his brother Esau’s birthright, tricking their blind father Isaac into giving him the blessing meant for Esau.
While guile is often portrayed negatively in the Bible, it’s not always condemned.
For example, in Exodus 1, the Hebrew midwives used guile to avoid killing male Hebrew infants, deceiving the Egyptian Pharaoh about why they couldn’t carry out his orders.
Their cunning and deceit saved innocent lives.
Similarly, in Joshua 2, Rahab hides the Israelite spies in Jericho and deceives the king’s men to protect them.
The New Testament holds up Rahab as an example of faith for protecting the spies.
Her guile and cunning were not condemned but praised for serving a greater good.
Guile is a complex concept in Scripture.
While deceit and cunning are usually portrayed negatively, the Bible recognizes that there are times when guile can be used to achieve righteous ends or protect the vulnerable.
The key distinction seems to be whether guile is used selfishly for personal gain or selflessly to help others and serve God’s purposes.
If employed for the latter reasons, guile does not necessarily contradict faith and righteousness.
Examples of Guile in Biblical Stories
Jacob and Esau
One of the earliest examples of guile in the Bible is Jacob deceiving his brother Esau out of his birthright.
Esau was the firstborn son and entitled to inherit the family wealth and blessing.
But Jacob cunningly tricks his brother into trading the birthright for a bowl of stew.
Later, with his mother’s help, Jacob disguises himself as Esau to steal their father’s blessing intended for the firstborn.
Though his methods were deceitful, Jacob’s guile results in him receiving God’s blessing and becoming the father of the nation of Israel.
Tamar
Another example of guile involves Judah’s daughter-in-law Tamar.
After Judah’s sons die without providing Tamar an heir, Judah refuses to give his third son to her in marriage as required by law.
So Tamar disguises herself as a prostitute and seduces Judah, becoming pregnant with twins.
Though her actions seem deceitful, Tamar uses her guile to compel Judah to fulfill his duty and provide her a son to carry on the family line.
Her son Perez becomes an ancestor of King David.
The Spies
When Moses sends twelve spies to scout out the land of Canaan, ten return with a fearful report that the land is unconquerable and the people too strong.
Only Joshua and Caleb dissent, arguing that with God on their side, the Israelites can possess the land.
The ten guileful spies spread their deceitful report to frighten the people and turn them against God’s promise.
As punishment for their guile and lack of faith, God condemns that generation to wander in the wilderness until a new generation arises to inherit the promise.
As you can see, guile appears throughout the biblical narrative, sometimes with positive results but often with negative consequences.
Though the characters employ deceit and cunning to achieve their ends, God is ultimately in control, using their guile to fulfill his greater purposes.
Contrasting Guile and Integrity
Guile and integrity are two contrasting qualities found throughout the Bible.
Guile refers to deceit, cunning, and craftiness, often used with selfish motives.
In contrast, integrity refers to honesty, sincerity, and moral uprightness.
Guile: Deceit with Selfish Intent
Those who act with guile are deceitful and cunning, using craftiness and trickery to get what they want.
Their motives are selfish, seeking their own gain at the expense of others.
For example, Jacob used guile to trick his brother Esau out of his birthright and blessing (Genesis 27).
The serpent in the Garden of Eden also used guile and deception to tempt Eve into eating the forbidden fruit (Genesis 3:1-5).
Integrity: Honesty and Moral Uprightness
Integrity means acting with honesty, sincerity, and moral principles.
Those with integrity do not deceive others for their own gain.
They stand up for what is right, even when it is difficult.
For example, Job was described as “blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil” (Job 1:1).
Daniel and his friends also demonstrated integrity by refusing to eat food that had been sacrificed to idols, even under pressure (Daniel 1).
While guile is self-seeking and deceitful, integrity is honest, moral, and upright.
The Bible calls us to walk in integrity, renouncing guile and deceit.
As Christians, we are to reflect the character of God, who cannot lie (Numbers 23:19).
Choosing integrity over guile is a mark of spiritual maturity and closeness with God.
Overcoming Guile With Truth
To overcome guile, we must seek the truth.
As the Bible says, “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32).
When we encounter guile in ourselves or others, the only remedy is truth and honesty.
Recognize Your Own Guile
It can be hard to admit when we are acting with guile.
But we must recognize the moments when we shade the truth or manipulate others for our own gain.
Take time for self-reflection and ask God to show you the moments when guile creeps into your heart.
Confess these moments and ask for forgiveness and strength to do better.
Speak the Truth in Love
When dealing with guile in others, the solution is not to attack or condemn them.
Rather, we are called to “speak the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15).
Lovingly and honestly share how their actions made you feel and give them a chance to respond.
If they are acting with guile unknowingly, this gives them an opportunity to recognize it and make amends.
If they continue in their guile, you have done your part by addressing it with care and compassion.
Set Clear Boundaries
In some cases, guile requires you to establish firm boundaries.
Be honest yet tactful, explaining your limits without aggression.
Let the other person know their manipulative behavior is unacceptable, and that you will limit contact if it continues.
Boundaries, rooted in love and truth, can be the wakeup call someone needs to overcome their guile.
The temptation to be underhanded is part of our sinful nature.
But with God’s help, we can recognize guile, address it with care, and choose to act with honesty and truth instead.
Speaking truthfully and establishing healthy boundaries are two of the best ways to overcome guile.
Choose truth, choose love, and walk in freedom.
