The Bible is clear: scheming, deceit, and plotting evil are an abomination to the Lord. From Genesis to Revelation, we see that those who conspire to harm others—whether by lying, stealing, cheating, or manipulating—are ultimately judged by God. The schemes of the wicked may prosper for a time, but they always lead to destruction.
God is a God of truth and justice. He sees the hidden motives of every heart, and nothing is concealed from Him. This study will walk through key scriptures that expose the sin of scheming, the consequences of deceit, and the justice of God.
The First Scheme: Satan’s Deception in the Garden
The first act of scheming in the Bible is found in Genesis 3, where Satan deceives Eve into eating the forbidden fruit.
Genesis 3:1 – “Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made.”
Satan’s cunning nature is a hallmark of all who plot to deceive. He twisted God’s words, planted doubt, and led humanity into sin. Scheming always begins with deception.
The Wicked Are Always Plotting Evil
Throughout the Psalms and Proverbs, the Bible describes the wicked as those who devise plans to harm others.
Psalm 36:4 – “He devises wickedness on his bed; he sets himself in a way that is not good; he does not abhor evil.”
The wicked do not stumble into sin—they plan it out. They think about it, meditate on it, and look for ways to execute their deception.
Psalm 10:7-8 – “His mouth is full of cursing and deceit and oppression; under his tongue is trouble and iniquity. He sits in the lurking places of the villages; in the secret places he murders the innocent; his eyes are secretly fixed on the helpless.”
The schemer preys on the weak, taking advantage of others for personal gain.
God Hates Deceptive Schemes
The Bible is clear that God detests dishonest plots and those who conspire against others.
Proverbs 6:16-19 – “These six things the Lord hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him: a proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, a false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren.”
Among the seven things God hates, four of them directly relate to scheming and deception:
A lying tongue – Those who manipulate with falsehoods.
A heart that devises wicked plans – Those who plot harm.
A false witness – Those who lie to destroy others.
One who sows discord – Those who stir up division.
This passage shows that scheming is one of the greatest abominations before God.
The Consequences of Scheming
The Bible warns that those who plot evil will ultimately be caught in their own schemes.
Psalm 7:14-16 – “Behold, the wicked brings forth iniquity; yes, he conceives trouble and brings forth falsehood. He made a pit and dug it out, and has fallen into the ditch which he made. His trouble shall return upon his own head, and his violent dealing shall come down on his own crown.”
This is a repeated theme in Scripture:
Haman in the book of Esther built gallows for Mordecai but was hanged on them himself (Esther 7:9-10).
The advisors of Daniel schemed to throw him into the lions’ den, but they were devoured instead (Daniel 6:24).
Judas betrayed Jesus for silver, but his treachery led to his own destruction (Matthew 27:5).
God Will Expose Every Hidden Plan
No matter how well a person hides their schemes, God sees all things and will bring them to light.
Luke 12:2-3 – “For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, nor hidden that will not be known. Therefore whatever you have spoken in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have spoken in the ear in inner rooms will be proclaimed on the housetops.”
Many try to conceal their wickedness under false pretenses—business fraud, secret betrayals, false accusations—but God promises to expose it all.
Job 5:12-13 – “He frustrates the devices of the crafty, so that their hands cannot carry out their plans. He catches the wise in their own craftiness, and the counsel of the cunning comes quickly upon them.”
Those who manipulate, deceive, and conspire will ultimately face divine justice.
The Righteous Do Not Scheme
Unlike the wicked, the righteous trust in God rather than deceitful plans.
Psalm 37:7-9 – “Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him; do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; do not fret—it only causes harm. For evildoers shall be cut off; but those who wait on the Lord, they shall inherit the earth.”
Instead of plotting for personal gain, the righteous trust in God rather than manipulation, they don’t envy the temporary success of the wicked and they don’t take matters into their own hands through deceit.
Jesus and the Ultimate Victory Over Scheming
The religious leaders schemed against Jesus:
Matthew 26:3-4 – “Then the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders of the people assembled at the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas, and plotted to take Jesus by trickery and kill Him.”
They succeeded in having Him crucified, but their plot only fulfilled God’s greater plan.
Acts 2:23 – “Him, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death.”
Even when wicked people scheme against God’s people, He turns it for His glory.
Romans 8:28 – “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”
My Final Thoughts
The Bible is clear: scheming, plotting, and deception are abominable to God. Those who plan evil, lie, and manipulate will ultimately face judgment.
Yet, for the righteous, the call is different, we trust in God’s justice, we reject deceitful ways and walk in truth and we rest in the Lord, knowing He will expose every wicked plan.
If you have been hurt by scheming people, take comfort in knowing that God sees all things. Justice belongs to the Lord, and He will not let the wicked prosper forever.
Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”
Let us walk in integrity, refusing to take part in any scheme, and trusting that God’s justice will always prevail.
