“With him is strength and wisdom: the deceived and the deceiver are his.” — Job 12:16
“And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.” — Matthew 6:13
Both verses remind us that God reigns in supreme sovereignty. Nothing escapes His control — not even deception or temptation. Job saw that both the deceiver and the deceived are within God’s domain. Jesus taught that deliverance from evil comes only through divine power. Satan may tempt, but he cannot triumph where God is trusted. The believer’s security lies not in personal wisdom, but in the wisdom and strength that belong to the Lord.
When we pray “deliver us from evil,” we are acknowledging that only God can preserve us from the snares of the deceiver. When we say “Thine is the power,” we confess that our victory is not earned but granted by His authority. The world is full of subtle lies, but God’s sovereignty turns even Satan’s schemes into steps of spiritual strengthening for those who trust Him.
Joseph in Egypt (Genesis 50:20): Joseph’s brothers deceived their father and betrayed Joseph. Yet, years later, Joseph testified, “Ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good.” God overruled deception to fulfill divine destiny. The deceived and deceivers were both under His control, proving Job’s truth that wisdom and power belong to God.
Peter’s Temptation (Luke 22:31–32): Jesus warned Peter that Satan desired to sift him as wheat, but said, “I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not.” Though Peter was tempted and even deceived by his own pride, God used it to humble him and strengthen his faith. Christ’s intercession delivered Peter from evil’s ultimate snare, proving Matthew 6:13 in action — divine deliverance through divine power.
Every deceiver has limits. Every temptation has a leash. God’s sovereignty is both shield and staff — protecting us from evil and guiding us through the shadows. Rest in the One whose wisdom cannot be deceived and whose power cannot be defeated.