The deception of others by individuals, usually for the sake of their own interest, safety or pride. Scripture condemns such pretence and demands honesty from believers at every point.

1 Kings 14:1-6

Pretence practised by people for their own interests

See also

The wearing of a disguise

Genesis 27:5-19,35-36; 29:16-25; 38:13-16
2 Samuel 14:1-3
Genesis 42:7

See also

Other pretences

Genesis 34:13-15,25
2 Samuel 13:1-11
2 Kings 10:18-19
Proverbs 13:7
Jeremiah 9:6-9
Matthew 22:15-22

pp Mk 12:13-17

pp Lk 20:20-26

Joshua 9:3-22

Pretence practised by people for their own safety

See also

The wearing of a disguise

1 Samuel 28:7-12
1 Kings 22:29-32
1 Samuel 21:10-13

pp 2Ch 18:28-32

See also

Other pretences

1 Samuel 19:11-17
Psalms 34:1 Title
Acts 27:29-30
Proverbs 12:9

Examples of pretence

See also

That practised by people because of their pride

2 Chronicles 35:20-22
Proverbs 13:7
Matthew 6:2,5,16; 23:27-28; 24:4-5

pp Mk 13:5-6

Jeremiah 3:10

pp Lk 21:8

See also

That practised by people in their approach to God

Matthew 15:7-8
Isaiah 29:13

pp Mk 7:6

1 Kings 20:37-43

That commanded by the LORD for his own purpose

1 Peter 2:1

God's people must rid themselves of pretence

See also

Psalms 119:29
Luke 12:1
1 Peter 2:21-22
Isaiah 53:9
2 Corinthians 10:5

The gospel demolishes pretence

See also

5173 outward appearance
5319 fugitives
5347 injustice
5627 word
5838 disrespect
5863 flattery
6145 deceit
7774 prophets, false
8714 dishonesty
8747 false gods
8767 hypocrisy
8776 lies