Can someone please tell me where in scripture it can be found that deception is a good thing in God’s eyes? I can give you two examples where it did not turn out so well for several couples that approved of and partook in the spouse’s actions.
1. Adam and Eve
2. Ananias and Sapphira
(Matthew Henry Commentary) “The sin of Ananias and Sapphira his wife. It is good to see husband and wife joining together in that which is good, but to be confederate in evil is to be like Adam and Eve, when they agreed to eat the forbidden fruit, and were one in their disobedience.”
1Ti 5:22 “Do not lay hands quickly on anyone, neither be partaker of the sins of others. Keep yourself pure.”
· neither be partaker of other men's sins; of any of the members of the church; by doing the same, joining with them therein, or by consenting to them and taking pleasure in them, as done by others; by conniving at them, and not restraining them, nor reproving for them…In no way are we to participate in the sins of other people. We are not to be engaged with them in doing wrong; we are not to patronize them in a wicked business; we are not to be known as their companions or friends; and we are not to partake of their unlawful gains. (Barnes)
· By a too hasty and inconsiderate restoration, he would condone the sins of the offenders, and would thus make common cause with them. (Vincent’s Word Studies)
· Observe, We have great need to watch over ourselves at all times, that we do not make ourselves partakers of other men's sins. “Keep thyself pure, not only from doing the like thyself, but from countenancing it, or being any way accessory to it, in others.” (Matthew Henry)
Keep thyself pure - Particularly, in regard to participation in the sins of others; generally, in all things - in heart, in word, in conduct. (Barnes)
keep thyself pure — “Keep thyself” clear of participation in other men’s sin by not failing to rebuke them that sin. (JFB)
2Jo 1:11 For he who speaks a greeting to him is partaker of his evil deeds.
· For he that gives him any encouragement, is accessory to his sinful deeds. (Wesley)
· There are many ways of sharing the guilt of other people's transgressions; it may be done by culpable silence, inaction, unconcern, private contribution, public expression and assistance, inward approval, open apology and defense. (Matthew Henry)
Eph 5:11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
We must therefore have no fellowship with these unfruitful works; as we must not practice them ourselves, so we must not support others in the practice of them. There are many ways of our being accessory to the sins of others, by approval, advice, consent, or on covering it up. And, if we share with others in their sin, we must expect to share with them in their afflictions. No, if we thus have fellowship with them, we shall be in the utmost danger of acting as they do before long. But, rather than have fellowship with them, we must reprove them, implying that if we do not reprove the sins of others we have fellowship with them. We must prudently and in our places witness against the sins of others, and endeavor to convince them of their sinfulness, when we can do it early and appropriately, in our words; but especially by the holiness of our lives, and a religious conversation. (Matthew Henry)