55 Surprising Bible Verses About Confusion
Before we search Bible verses about confusion, let’s first define it. Confusion is a state of mental uncertainty or lack of clarity. It occurs when your thoughts, feelings, or perceptions are disordered or foggy, making it difficult to understand or make sense of a situation. Confusion can also be described as a sense of chaos, indecision, or disorientation, where you may feel unsure about what to believe or how to act/respond. This can be from internal or external circumstances. In summary, confusion is a state where clarity and understanding are hard to grab onto, leaving leaving you feeling perplexed or lost. The best place to go when you feel confused is the Word of God.
How does deception create confusion?
Deception can create confusion in several ways. As you read through various ways deception creates confusion, notice the evil intention. Evil intends to create confusion. Additionally, evil makes progress when things are foggy or chaotic.
Misdirection: Deception often involves directing attention away from the truth towards something false. Like a distraction tactic. This misdirection can lead people to focus on irrelevant information, making it difficult to discern what is true. Have you ever confronted something in a relationship and find yourself talking about something else rather than the original topic? Consider that there was an intentional misdirection.
Distortion of Reality: Deception can distort reality by presenting false information or altering existing facts. This distortion can create a mismatch between perception and reality, causing confusion about what is true and what is not.
Contradictory Information: Deception may involve presenting contradictory information, making it challenging for individuals to determine which information is accurate. This inconsistency can sow seeds of doubt and confusion.
Emotional Manipulation: Deception often exploits emotions to cloud judgment and create confusion. By appealing to emotions such as fear or sympathy, deceivers can influence a person’s perceptions and decision-making processes, leading to confusion about the truth. This is a difficult tactic to identify because it is so insidious. Read more on “How to Deal With Manipulators Biblically”.
Complexity: Deception can introduce complexity by weaving intricate narratives or introducing multiple layers of falsehoods. Sorting through this complexity to uncover the truth can be confusing and overwhelming. Have you ever been in a conversation that has become so difficult to follow that you simply give up? Consider that this was a tactic to shut down conversation.
Bible Verses About Confusion and Satan the Author of Confusion
We have a very real enemy that opposes God, God’s people and God’s plans. Confusion is one of the greatest weapons of the enemy. As discussed earlier, confusion creates uncertainty or a lack of clarity. Let’s see how the Bible verses about confusion and the author of confusion shed light on his tactics.
Evil Disguises Itself as Good
When my kids were little and I discussed the reality that not all people are good and “stranger danger” concepts, it occurred to me that they had a picture of what an unsafe person would look like. So, I asked them to describe was an unsafe person looked like. They immediately described the bad person as a man, unshaved, wearing all black with missing teeth. I was so glad I asked…. I went on to explain that unsafe people often look like a regular person. They were shocked and in complete disbelief! Paul tells us that Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. People in this world who do evil also disguise themselves as “good people”. This can be incredibly confusing when you expect someone (based on their role) to be safe. Creating this kind of confusion can be very destabilizing.
Matthew 7:15 – Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.
2 Corinthians 11:14-15 – And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.
Satan, also called the great dragon is know for deception. Deception creates confusion.
Revelation 12:9 – And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.
The “activity of Satan” comes through people (evil men) as identified in 2 Thessalonians. Once again, Satan can use people in positions of power, family roles and even the church to advance his evil intentions through confusion.
2 Thessalonians 2:9-10 – The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.
Scheme refers to a plan, strategy, or plot, especially one that is designed to achieve a particular purpose, often through deceit or manipulation. Scheming is a tactic that uses confusion to advance evil purposes.
Ephesians 6:11-12 – Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
2 Corinthians 2:11 – in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.
Crafty typically describes someone who is clever, cunning, or skillful, often in a way that involves trickery or deceit. It suggests a person who is adept at manipulating situations or people to achieve their own ends. In the context of Genesis 3:1, describing the serpent as “crafty” implies that it possessed a shrewd and cunning nature, able to use its intelligence to deceive Eve into disobeying God’s command.
Genesis 3:1 – Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, ‘Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?’
The devil makes a practice of sinning. In other words, its a habit or routine. We all make mistakes, but be mindful that the enemy and evil men make a practice of sinning and creating confusion.
1 John 3:8 – Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil.
Cunning refers to being skillful in achieving one’s goals through deceit or trickery. It implies cleverness, shrewdness, and a keen ability to manipulate situations or people for one’s own advantage. The enemy used confusion to lead Eve astray.
2 Corinthians 11:3 – But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ.
The devil manages his evil work with deception and hatred for people, especially people that belong to God. The devil’s character is reflected by deception used to create confusion.
John 8:44 – You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
More on Lies & Deception From the Bible.
As long as the enemy can advance his work using confusion, he can keep unbelievers from seeking the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Corinthians 4:4 – In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
These Bible verses about confusion and author of confusion highlight Satan’s deceptive nature and his ability to appear as something good or righteous in order to lead people astray. These Scriptures help us identify the tactics of the enemy and people who are used by the enemy to advance evil. Now that we know how he operates, let’s see what God’s Word says about combatting confusion.
Bible Verses About Confusion and False Prophets
Notice how the enemy uses evil men to advance his evil agenda and lead people astray in these Bible verses about confusion.
Matthew 7:15 – Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.
Matthew 24:11 – And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray.
Matthew 24:24 – For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.
2 Peter 2:1 – But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction.
1 John 4:1 – Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.
Bible Verses About Confusion and People Who Create Confusion
Satan uses people in our circles ( our church and even our own house) to advance his evil agenda. Do not dismiss this reality. I have dismissed this reality and it created much unnecessary pain in my life. Don’t make the same mistake. Notice if there is someone that you often feel confused in your relationship with them.
Proverbs 6:16-19 – There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.
Proverbs 16:28 – A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends.
Romans 16:17-18 – I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.
Matthew 7:16 – You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?
Bible Verses About Confusion & Overcoming Satan’s Deception
Being able to identify tactics that create confusion is the first step to overcoming confusion, uncertainty and doubt. Let’s see what tips the following Bible verses about confusion show us.
1 Peter 5:8 – Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
First, we need to be watchful. Now that you know how confusion takes root be mindful to guard against it.
Matthew 10:16 (NIV) – I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.
A shrewd person demonstrates insight and cleverness in assessing situations, making decisions, and dealing with others.
Ephesians 6:11-12 – Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
In order to be “shrewd” and “watchful”, we must use the divine weapons we are given. You can read the full chapter about these divine weapons in Ephesians 6, but I want to highlight prayer and God’s Word being our greatest weapons. God’s Word gives us knowledge and the gift of the Holy Spirit converts that to wisdom and discernment. Prayerfully depend on God to enable you to avoid great confusion.
Matthew 4:1-11: This passage describes Satan tempting Jesus in the wilderness, demonstrating his role as a tempter and adversary. In the entire interaction, Satan is trying to manipulate the truth of Scripture to lead Jesus into sin. Jesus literally quotes Scriptures to stay grounded in the truth. This is one of the greatest examples of overcoming confusion with divine weapons.
1 Peter 5:9 – Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.
James 4:7 – Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Submitting means to surrender to God’s authority. When we surrender to God’s authority in our lives we are aligning our whole heart with God’s heart. When we walk in obedience to the Lord, confusion evaporates. Stay grounded and firm in your faith.
Ephesians 4:27 – and give no opportunity to the devil.
Leave no door open for the enemy to have an opportunity to create confusion. Be in God’s Word!
More on Fleeing Temptation Here.
Bible Verses about Clarity and God’s Truth
I want to highlight the contrast between God and truth vs Satan and confusion by looking at Bible verses about truth. Notice how truth removes confusion. Truth gives us the ability to stand firm in our faith. God is not a God of disorder and confusion, rather He brings clarity. Be mindful to notice when you are feeling confused. When confusion pops up, pause and reflect on any deception or manipulation that might be in play. Notice how in the following verses, God can give wisdom and discernment when you are in the presence of someone seeking to confuse you for their own purposes.
John 8:32 – and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.
Psalm 119:105 – Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 – All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
Psalm 19:7-8 – The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.
James 1:5 – If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
John 17:17 – Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.
Ephesians 1:17-18 – that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints.
Psalm 86:11 – Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name.
John 16:13 – When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.
1 Corinthians 14:33 – For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints,
Psalm 46:1 – God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Isaiah 41:10 – Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Holy Spirit Gives Guidance and Discernment
Depend on the Holy Spirit to guide you and reveal the source of confusion. The natural man does not have the Holy Spirit, but believers do! Ask the Holy Spirit to give you spiritual discernment. Evil is at work if you are in a state of constant confusion. Don’t ignore this feeling- it is trying to alert you.
1 Corinthians 2:14 – The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.
John 16:13 – When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.
1 John 2:27 – But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in him.
John 14:26 – But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.
Peace of God
Our God is the God of peace. Once again, if you are in a constant state of confusion- notice that! God gave us His Word so we would have great peace as we ground ourselves in Truth.
James 3:17-18 – But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
Philippians 4:7 – And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
John 14:27 – Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
Isaiah 26:3 – You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.
Romans 15:13 – May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
Colossians 3:15 – And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.
Consequences of Deception Leading to Confusion
The use of deception in the creation of confusion is emotional, mental and spiritual abuse. It is destructive and has devastating consequences in the person on the receiving end. If you find yourself in a constant state of confusion with someone in your life, it is creating damage in some way. Check out some of the impacts of being lied to or manipulated…
7 Consequences of Deception Leading to Confusion
- Emotional Distress: Deception can lead to feelings of betrayal, confusion, anger, sadness, and mistrust. Victims may experience a range of emotions as they grapple with the realization that they have been misled or manipulated.
- Loss of Trust: Deception erodes trust in relationships, whether it’s with individuals, organizations, or even one’s own perception of reality. Victims may find it difficult to trust others in the future, leading to challenges in forming healthy relationships.
- Damage to Self-esteem: Being deceived can undermine one’s sense of self-worth and confidence.
- Spiritual and Moral Confusion: Deception can shake a person’s faith or beliefs. Victims may struggle to reconcile their beliefs with the deception they have experienced, leading to a faith crisis.
- Psychological Impact: Deception can lead to psychological distress, including symptoms of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Victims may experience intrusive thoughts, nightmares, and difficulty concentrating as they process their experience.
- Social Consequences: Deception can have social repercussions, including damage to reputation, social isolation, or strained relationships with family and friends. Victims may feel embarrassed or ashamed to admit they have been deceived, leading to further social withdrawal.
- Physical Health Effects: In extreme cases, deception can lead to physical health consequences, such as stress-related illnesses, sleep disturbances and other physical illness.
Living in a state of confusion caused by deception is so destabilizing. It erodes self worth and the ability to trust self or others. The impact is far reaching and the motive is evil.
Bible Verses About Confusion and How to Overcome
Seek God’s Wisdom
James 1:5 – If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
Prayerfully seeking God’s wisdom can help clarify confusion. It also provides insight into challenging situations or those who create confusion.
Trust in God’s Guidance
Proverbs 3:5-6 – In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Trusting in God’s guidance can help us navigate through confusion with confidence.
Renew Your Mind with Scripture
Romans 12:2 – Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Studying and meditating on Scripture can bring clarity and align our thoughts with God’s truth. His Word is absolute truth!
Pray for Discernment
Philippians 1:9-10 – And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ.
Prayer for discernment can help us distinguish between truth and falsehood, leading to clarity amidst confusion.
Seek Counsel from Wise Individuals
Proverbs 15:22 – Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers, they succeed.
Seeking guidance from wise and godly mentors or counselors can provide valuable insight and perspective when facing confusion.
Focus on God’s Peace
Philippians 4:6-7- Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Trusting in God’s peace can help calm our minds and bring clarity amidst confusion.
Final Thoughts on Bible Verses About Confusion
Cling to Truth- the Holy Bible is truth from the mouth of God. He is Truth and we can gain much clarity by holding fast to Scripture. God’s Word is one of the best ways to overcome confusion. It is also important that you notice when you are constantly having confusing thoughts and feelings. Constant confusion is worth taking a closer look at, being mindful that someone might be creating confusion in your life. Confusion is always a red flag I pay attention to- it doesn’t necessarily mean something evil is happening, but it does require a closer look. Please share your insights in the comments!
(Scripture references in ESV unless otherwise noted.)