#1317. Proverbs 6:12–15 – Avoid deceit and divisiveness (29/7/25)
- Matt Beaney
- Jul 29
- 3 min read
Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional where we are continuing in our Wisdom for Life series from Proverbs.
From Proverbs 6:12-15, we reflect on the need to be alert and protect ourselves from deceivers.
To watch this devotional, please select the link below.
‘A troublemaker and a villain, who goes about with a corrupt mouth, who winks maliciously with his eye, signals with his feet and motions with his fingers, who plots evil with deceit in his heart— he always stirs up conflict. Therefore, disaster will overtake him in an instant; he will suddenly be destroyed—without remedy.’ (Proverbs 6:12-15)
Whilst this is a warning for us not to be like this, it’s also a warning that there are many people who are like this! There are many people who go around deceitfully stirring up conflict. Here, every means of communication is mentioned— mouth, eyes, feet, fingers— as employed in deception and creating conflict.
The word troublemaker comes from the Hebrew Belial, a term later associated with Satan. These individuals thrive on gossip, spreading discord and dissatisfaction. They manipulate others for personal gain, infiltrating communities—especially the church—like invasive weeds. In today’s world, social media and online platforms provide new and powerful opportunities for such ‘conflict creators’ to sow division. Jesus warns us to stay vigilant:
‘“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognise them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognise them.”’ (Matthew 7:15-20)
While we must guard against becoming overly judgmental or intolerant, we are called to discern the fruit of people’s lives. True troublemakers often have clever and deceitful excuses, but Scripture instructs us to confront them firmly yet lovingly. Paul advises:
‘Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them. You may be sure that such people are warped and sinful; they are self-condemned.’ (Titus 3:10-11)
In response, we should first examine our own hearts—are we guilty of any of these behaviours? Second, we must remain both loving and alert to sinful manipulation, responding with wisdom and courage. At times, love requires saying a firm No! to those who stir up division.
Let’s pray together:
“Father, sanctify me from corruption. Protect me from the corrupt. Protect my church from the deceitful. Give me and my pastors wisdom, love, and courage. Amen.”
Community Group Notes
1. Notices
It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News.
2. Icebreaker
How has God been speaking to you from His Word this week, and how has this helped you?
3. Worship together
Let’s begin our time together by lifting our eyes and hearts to worship our great God. Perhaps you have readings and songs that you would like to use together. Let’s be open to the gifts that the Spirit wants to give in order to encourage one another.
4. Study and pray together
Balanced Time Allocation - Please ensure a balanced focus on discussion, SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite), and prayer so that each section is meaningful and fruitful.
Week #8. Proverbs 6:6-29. Use the lamp of God’s wisdom
1. What themes stand out in this week’s section? Identify key ideas and repeated patterns. What is the focus of this section?
2. What promises does God offer, and what warnings does He give? Look for specific encouragements, blessings, or cautions in the text.
3. How does this speak into our lives today? What are the practical ways we could live this out — individually, in our families, in our community?
4. How is God calling you to respond? Consider what this means for your heart, your choices, and your direction.
5. SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite)
How might the wisdom in this week's section of Proverbs help us to be a light for Jesus?
Have you had any recent opportunities to Serve, Invest in, or Invite someone toward Jesus? Let’s encourage one another by sharing testimonies of God at work through us.
6. Let’s pray together:
Let’s pray for one another based on our study, and bring before God any other needs or requests for prayer.
Pray for one another's SIV opportunities and boldness in following the Spirit's promptings.
Pray specifically for the 'people of peace' in our lives—asking God to open hearts and provide opportunities to speak life and truth.
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