Joshua 9 tells a story of deception.  And it is summed up by verse 14, “So the men took some of their provisions, but did not ask counsel from the Lord.”

Here are a few strategies and guidelines to avoid being duped by deceivers:

1. Keep in mind that what you see has a story that does or doesn’t match what you hear.
2. Responding in haste increases your chances of being deceived.
3. Never make a decision without counsel, either from preset guidelines or from momentary inquiries.
4. Listen to the voice of God. Ask him before responding, even when the request appears to be pure. Let him give you assurance.
5. Take the necessary time you feel led to take to respond. Human emergencies rarely seem urgent to God.