When God says, “I have deceived that prophet” (Ezekiel 14:9), he means that he can and does govern a sinful prophet’s mind so that the prophet believes a lie; but God does it in such a way that he himself is not lying. God is able to superintend a thousand circumstances and influences so that a sinful prophet will think a lie, without God himself lying or in any way compromising his perfect truthfulness.

Let the word of God about the word of God stand firm:

• “God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?” (Numbers 23:19).

• “The Glory of Israel will not lie” (1 Samuel 15:29).

• “The word of the Lord is upright, and all his work is done in faithfulness.” (Psalms 33:4).

• “This God—his way is perfect; the word of the Lord proves true” (2 Samuel 22:31).

• “Every word of God proves true” (Proverbs 30:5).

• “The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver refined in a furnace on the ground, purified seven times” (Psalms 12:6).

God can be trusted. But do not play games with him. Do not begin to be careless with the truth. Do not “take pleasure in unrighteousness” and forsake the “love of the truth.” If you do, you may be abandoned to a strong delusion and never be able to see again.

For God’s truth and your safety,

Pastor John

By John Piper. © Desiring God. Website: www.desiringGod.org. Email: mail@desiringGod.org. Toll Free: 1.888.346.4700.