A dear and long-time brother in Christ, Steven, is leading a study on the Book of Joshua. Please follow the link to discover nuggets.
In this particular chapter study, we are reminded again of how often and how easily we are led, or fooled, by circumstances. It was so obvious that we don't check with God. We tend to walk by sight and not by faith which is opposite to the Bible 2Co 5:7 For we walk by faith, not by sight.
This is typical of how "trick" works ... present the seemingly true facts that lead you to conclude what they want. ... or tell you what you want to hear and you will believe.
The prevention? The best is to "ask the Lord" and He will give you wisdom look at the true evidence not presented. Dig deeper. Another key is Time. Jos 9:16 ... 3 days later... they heard...
This decision-making technique - asking of the Lord is very important as we encounter them in our daily work. Do we or do we not take up the deal?
Some points to take note of:
This story explains how we can be cheated by con men. They understand our due diligence method and give us all the evidence we are looking for.
How can we counter such cheating? Take multiple views of the same situation and compare the evidence.
Getting additional advice from Gemini gives：
Getting additional advice from Gemini gives：
Here are some ways to counter such cheating, combining your idea of multiple viewpoints with other strategies:
Multiple Viewpoints:
- Consider alternative explanations: Don't just accept the evidence presented at face value. Ask yourself, "Could there be another reason for this?" Look for alternative explanations that fit the evidence but don't necessarily support the con artist's story.
- Seek outside perspectives: Discuss the situation with trusted friends, mentors, or colleagues who can offer a different viewpoint. They might spot inconsistencies you missed or raise questions you hadn't considered.
Beyond Viewpoints:
- Independent verification: Whenever possible, try to verify the information independently. For example, if someone claims to be from a specific company, contact the company directly to confirm their identity and the situation.
- Gut feeling: Don't ignore your intuition. If something feels off or too good to be true, it probably is. Take a step back and re-evaluate the situation before committing to anything.
- Set boundaries: Con artists often try to pressure you into making a quick decision. Set clear boundaries and avoid feeling rushed. Take time to think things through thoroughly before acting.
The summary and additional points from Gemini are captured in the mind map below:
Referring to the deception, I wish to point out the following:
1. The leaders did do a Due-Deligence check v7 which the enemy had prepared for with the made-up evidence. They put their trust in the method rather than God. Conman understands your thinking and hence is able to trick you.
2. All the Leaders, not just Joshua, were tricked. The influence of the majority, supporting each other wrong perception of reality is a major cause of corporate failure. Again look out for the wise counsel of God rather than rely on each other's opinion.
3. The enemy seemed to have more faith and know more about the God of Israel than the Israelis so they quickly made peace first.