Soren Kierkegaard explains, “There are two ways to be fooled. One is to believe what isn’t true; the other is to refuse to believe what is true.” From time to time, it is good to recount the events recorded in Joshua 9:1-27 about those from the city of Gibeon. This is a city located in Southern Canaan. The Gibeonites heard about Joshua’s victories and went to the camp at Gilgal to meet with Joshua. They deceptively posed as ambassadors carrying old sacks and wineskins, with dry, moldy bread. These crafty Canaanites were wily, as in “the wiles of the devil” (Ephesians 6:10). Note three cautions in this text.

First, there is the danger of an uncritical acceptance. How quickly Joshua believed the words of the Gibeonites: “And these wineskins which we filled were new, and see, they are torn; and these our garments and our sandals have become old because of the very long journey” (Joshua 9:13). Believers must “test all things” (1 Thessalonians 5:12) to make sure they are true. Be a Berean.

Second, there is the danger of an unmethodical arrogance. “Then the men of Israel took some of their provisions; but they did not ask counsel of the Lord” (Joshua 9:14). To be “unmethodical” is to live haphazardly. So many people think they know best. Their lives are marked and marred by pride, presumption and prayerlessness. Proverbs 16:18 reads, “Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall.” Many live a self-directed life of confusion and disorder.

Third, there is the danger of an unbiblical alliance. “So Joshua made peace with them, and made a covenant with them to let them live; and the rulers of the congregation swore to them” (Joshua 9:15). “Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God” (2 Corinthians 5:14-16a). While biblical separation might not be popular, it is God’s plan.

In the words of an old saying, “Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me.” You need three concepts to prevent deception, namely, discernment, discretion and discipline. Discernment is the ability to distinguish between right and almost right. Hebrews 5:14 reads, “But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” Discretion is the application of wisdom to choose right words and actions and to set proper boundaries. Proverbs 2:11a reads, “Discretion will preserve you.” Discipline puts insight into consistent practice. Paul declares, “But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified” (1 Corinthians 9:27). In days of deception, don’t be fooled.

Dr. Franklin L. Kirksey, of Robertsdale, is the author of "Don't Miss the Revival! Messages for Revival and Spiritual Awakening from Isaiah.