When Israel, under Joshua, was subduing the land of Canaan, the Gibeonites approached them deceitfully. They had made careful preparation and were successful in deceiving Joshua and the princes of Israel with their appearance and lies. The Israelites were deceived because they accepted the "outward appearance and lies. The Israelites were deceived because they accepted the "outward appearance" of the men of Gibeon. They did not inquire of God. Had they done so, God would have revealed the truth to them.

There are those in the church today, who, looking at the "outward appearance" of some "good work," accept it without inquiring of God. But all things that pertain unto life and godliness have been revealed to us. (2 Peter 1: 3). When we accept these so-called "good works" because of their outward appearance, we make the same mistake Israel made in Canaan. And we will be plagued with them as long as they remain among us.

Does not wisdom teach that we should inquire of God and not accept appearances?

TRUTH MAGAZINE, XV: 49, p. 7
October 21, 1971