The term "wiles" refers to cunning strategies or deceitful tactics often employed to manipulate or deceive. In the context of the Bible, wiles are typically associated with the schemes of Satan and the forces of evil, which seek to lead believers astray from the path of righteousness.

Biblical References:

1. Ephesians 6:11 : "Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes." The word "schemes" in this verse is often translated as "wiles" in other versions of the Bible. This passage emphasizes the need for spiritual preparedness and vigilance against the deceptive tactics of the devil. The Apostle Paul instructs believers to equip themselves with the armor of God, which includes truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, the Word of God, and prayer, to withstand these wiles.

2. 2 Corinthians 2:11 : "in order that Satan should not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes." Here, Paul warns the Corinthian church about the importance of being aware of Satan's wiles. The context involves forgiveness and reconciliation, suggesting that one of Satan's tactics is to sow discord and unforgiveness among believers.

3. Genesis 3:1-5: The serpent's deception of Eve in the Garden of Eden is a prime example of wiles in action. The serpent uses cunning words to question God's command and promises false benefits, leading to the fall of humanity. This narrative illustrates the subtlety and danger of wiles, as they often appear as half-truths or appealing alternatives to God's will.

4. Matthew 4:1-11: The temptation of Jesus in the wilderness showcases the wiles of the devil as he attempts to entice Jesus with power, provision, and protection. Jesus counters each temptation with Scripture, demonstrating the power of God's Word in resisting deceitful tactics.

Theological Implications:

The concept of wiles underscores the reality of spiritual warfare in the Christian life. Believers are called to be discerning and to recognize that not all that appears good or true is aligned with God's will. The wiles of the devil are often subtle and can manifest through false teachings, temptations, and worldly philosophies that contradict biblical truth.

Practical Application:

Christians are encouraged to cultivate a deep understanding of Scripture and to maintain a close relationship with God through prayer and fellowship with other believers. By doing so, they can better discern and resist the wiles of the enemy. The full armor of God, as described in Ephesians 6, serves as both a defensive and offensive strategy against spiritual deception.

In summary, the concept of wiles in the Bible serves as a reminder of the ongoing battle between good and evil, urging believers to remain steadfast and vigilant in their faith.

Wiles of the Devil.
... Homily III. Chapter VIII."Wiles of the Devil. "Therefore the love of men
towards God is sufficient for salvation. And this the ...
/.../unknown/the clementine homilies/chapter viii wiles of the devil.htm

Martin is Tempted by the Wiles of the Devil.
... Sulpitius Severus On the Life of St. Martin. Chapter XXIV. Martin is tempted
by the Wiles of the Devil. It was found, again, that ...
/.../life and writings of sulpitius severus /chapter xxiv martin is tempted.htm

Satan's Wiles against the Truth How they Take the Form of the ...
... Chapter I."Satan's Wiles Against the Truth How They Take the Form of the
Praxean Heresy. Account of the Publication of This Heresy. ...
/.../tertullian/against praxeas/chapter i satans wiles against the.htm

It is More Necessary to be Able to Detect the Wiles of Satan when ...
... Chapter 60."It is More Necessary to Be Able to Detect the Wiles of Satan
When He Transforms Himself into an Angel of Light. It ...
/.../augustine/the enchiridion/chapter 60 it is more necessary.htm

To Longinus, Archimandrite of Doliche.
... have great boldness before God, help me in your prayers, that I may be able "to
stand," to use the words of the Apostle, [1959] "against the wiles of error ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/cxxxi to longinus archimandrite of.htm

How the Weaker Part of the Soul is the First to Yield to the ...
... mouth of all his prophets," [2318] he certainly spread the nets of deception by
means of the reasonable feeling which he knew to be exposed to his deadly wiles ...
/.../cassian/the conferences of john cassian/chapter xvii how the weaker.htm

Ephesians vi. 8-May
... Ver.11. "Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against
the wiles of the devil.". He saith not, against the ...
/.../homily xxii ephesians vi 8-may.htm

Thekla Singing Decorously a Hymn, the Rest of the virgins Sing ...
... Thekla.4. Having escaped, O blessed One, from the innumerable enchanting wiles of
the serpent, and, moreover, from the flame of fire, and from the mortal ...
/.../chapter ii thekla singing decorously a.htm

Blessed Prosperity Meditations on the First Psalm.
... The lying wiles of the seducer were instantly rejected by our LORD; not so ineffective
are such wiles to many of His people; a little policy rather than the ...
/.../taylor/a ribband of blue/blessed prosperity meditations on the.htm

Thoughts for the Clergy on the Amusement Question.
... of general society in which so many of them, at a tender age, are madly revolving
night after night, is no poor preparation for the fatal success of these wiles ...
/.../vincent/amusement a force in christian training/thoughts for the clergy on.htm

Wiles (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Wiles (3 Occurrences). ... Ephesians 6:11 Put on the whole
armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. ...
/w/wiles.htm - 7k

Vex (20 Occurrences)
... Numbers 25:18 For they vex you with their wiles, wherewith they have beguiled you
in the matter of Peor, and in the matter of Cozbi, the daughter of a prince ...
/v/vex.htm - 14k

Wilful (2 Occurrences)

/w/wilful.htm - 7k

Wilds (1 Occurrence)

/w/wilds.htm - 6k

Infants (71 Occurrences)
... may no longer be children, tossed back and forth and carried about with every wind
of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in craftiness, after the wiles of error ...
/i/infants.htm - 28k

Tricks (9 Occurrences)
... Numbers 25:18 for they harassed you with their wiles, with which they have deceived
you in the matter of Peor, and in the matter of Cozbi, the daughter of the ...
/t/tricks.htm - 9k

Tossed (19 Occurrences)
... may no longer be children, tossed back and forth and carried about with every wind
of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in craftiness, after the wiles of error ...
/t/tossed.htm - 12k

Trickery (5 Occurrences)
... may no longer be children, tossed back and forth and carried about with every wind
of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in craftiness, after the wiles of error ...
/t/trickery.htm - 7k

Devil's (5 Occurrences)
... Devil's (5 Occurrences). Ephesians 6:11 put on the whole armour of God, for your
being able to stand against the wiles of the devil, (See NIV). ...
/d/devil's.htm - 7k

Mid'ian (47 Occurrences)
... Numbers 25:18 for they harass you, by their wiles wherewith they have beguiled you
in the matter of Peor, and in the matter of Cozbi, the daughter of the ...
/m/mid'ian.htm - 20k

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