A down-to-earth explanation of how Scripture warns us about fooling ourselves
It’s surprisingly easy for people to fool themselves. The Bible talks about this a lot, warning that we often aren’t honest with ourselves about things like our own flaws, how “good” we are, and what we think we know. According to Scripture, self-deception is a built-in part of being human, and recognizing this is key if we want to live truthfully and find real happiness.
Why Do We Deceive Ourselves?
The Bible says our hearts—meaning our inner thoughts and desires—aren’t as reliable as we’d like to think. Jeremiah 17:9 puts it bluntly: “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?” In other words, we’re experts at convincing ourselves that everything is fine, even when it isn’t. Sometimes, we rationalize or ignore our mistakes and bad choices. We all have a natural tendency to hide from the truth, especially when it comes to our own shortcomings.
Self-Deception About Sin
One of the most common ways we fool ourselves is by pretending we don’t have any real faults. 1 John 1:8 says, “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” The point here is that everyone messes up. Denying this only keeps us stuck; being honest about our flaws is necessary for forgiveness and real change. The Bible teaches that God is ready to forgive, but first, we have to admit we need help.
Thinking We’re Wiser or Better Than We Are
The Bible also warns against thinking we’re smarter, holier, or more important than we really are. Galatians 6:3 says, “If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.” This isn’t meant to put anyone down, but to remind us not to get too full of ourselves. 1 Corinthians 3:18 urges us to ditch worldly standards of wisdom and instead be open to God’s wisdom, even if it seems “foolish” compared to what the world values. The message is clear: humility leads to true understanding. Proverbs and James add that it’s dangerous to trust only in our own judgment and that real wisdom comes from God.
Suppressing the Truth
Sometimes, self-deception means actively ignoring or hiding from what we know is true. Romans 1:18 says God’s anger is revealed against people “who suppress the truth in unrighteousness.” Basically, it’s possible to recognize what’s right and still choose to deny it—often because facing the truth means admitting we’re wrong or need to change. The Bible says this pattern leads people to swap God’s truth for comforting lies, putting more value on things created than on the Creator.
Religion Isn’t Just Talk
James 1:22 warns that simply listening to God’s word isn’t enough; we have to act on it, or we’re just fooling ourselves. James 1:26 goes further: if someone claims to be religious but doesn’t control their words, their “religion is worthless.” In other words, faith isn’t just about appearances or saying the right things. It’s about how we live, how we treat others, and whether we’re honest with ourselves.
How Can We Avoid Self-Deception?
- Be honest about your faults: Admitting you’re imperfect is the first step toward real change.
- Don’t get too full of yourself: Humility opens the door to learning and growth.
- Seek wisdom from God: Trust that God’s ways are better than relying only on your own judgment.
- Live out your beliefs: Actions matter more than words. True faith shows up in how you treat people.
- Stay open to the truth—even when it’s hard: Growth happens when you face reality, not when you run from it.
Final Thoughts
According to the Bible, self-deception is a real and persistent challenge for everyone. But the solution isn’t despair—it’s honesty, humility, and a willingness to admit when we’re wrong. The good news is that God understands our struggles and offers forgiveness and wisdom if we’re ready to face the truth. In short, the Bible encourages us to stop pretending, start confessing, and trust that real life and hope come from walking in the light—no matter how uncomfortable that might be at first.
Minister A Francine Green
September 2025
afrancinegreen.com 