HOW TO SPOT A DEVIL
HOW TO SPOT A DEVIL
In this elaboration, I will break down each of the 12 characteristics you listed, connecting them to common behaviors that might reveal demonic or malevolent influence. Each trait suggests a deviation from the normal, productive, and peaceful behaviors associated with healthy spiritual or emotional well-being. The purpose of this outline is to provide tools for discernment in both interpersonal relationships and spiritual encounters.
1. Delusional
Delusion, in this context, refers to a strong adherence to a false belief, even when overwhelming evidence proves otherwise. Demons, or those under their control, cling to falsehoods in defiance of reality. These individuals display an unwillingness to engage in self-reflection, humility, or change. This pride and stubbornness prevent them from seeing the truth, even when it is laid out clearly. The biblical example of Pharaoh’s hardening heart illustrates this characteristic. When a person resists truth with fierce irrationality, they are potentially under some malevolent influence.
2 Thessalonians 2:11-12: "For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness."
Proverbs 12:15: "The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice."
2. Subtle
Demons often disguise themselves in charm and subtlety. They can appear gracious, intelligent, and clever in their dealings, making it hard to detect their true nature. This subtlety is their strategy to gain influence, often manipulating others in small, seemingly benign ways before leading them toward destructive behaviors. This echoes the serpent’s cunning temptation of Eve in the Garden of Eden. Look for manipulation clothed in politeness or reasonableness; the devil rarely presents in a blatantly aggressive form but instead uses deception.
2 Corinthians 11:14: "And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light."
Genesis 3:1: "Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made."
3. Accuser
Accusation is central to demonic behavior. They focus on pointing out the faults of others while avoiding their own. Satan is referred to as the "accuser of the brethren" in Revelation, and similarly, those under his influence seek to bring others down through shame and guilt. These accusations are often grounded in half-truths or manipulated facts intended to damage someone’s reputation or self-worth. They generate an atmosphere of judgment and condemnation.
Revelation 12:10: "For the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night."
Romans 8:33-34: "Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn?"
HAB 1:13 [THOU ART] OF PURER EYES THAN TO BEHOLD EVIL, AND CANST NOT LOOK ON INIQUITY: WHEREFORE LOOKEST THOU UPON THEM THAT DEAL TREACHEROUSLY, [AND] HOLDEST THY TONGUE WHEN THE WICKED DEVOURETH [THE MAN THAT IS] MORE RIGHTEOUS THAN HE?
4. Instigator
Demons incite conflict where there is peace. Those who take on the role of instigator will stir up trouble, spread gossip, and push others into destructive actions. They derive pleasure from seeing others fall into strife, mirroring their own inner chaos. This kind of behavior is easy to recognize in those who always seem to be at the center of drama, encouraging others to fight, argue, or distrust one another.
Proverbs 16:28: "A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends."
James 3:16: "For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice."
5. Provocateur
Provocateurs, much like instigators, actively seek to provoke anger or violence in others. They thrive on the chaos that comes from their ability to ignite others' tempers. Often, they use calculated insults, lies, or even actions designed to incite a reaction, which fulfills their desire to control or destroy. This is a key trait of malevolent forces, drawing people into a cycle of anger, destruction, and reaction.
Proverbs 15:18: "A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel."
Galatians 5:26: "Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another."
6. False Penance
Demons or their hosts sometimes exhibit what can be described as false repentance. They show outward signs of sorrow or regret, not because they truly seek forgiveness, but as a way to manipulate others into thinking they’ve changed. This false penance is often a guise to escape consequences rather than a sincere transformation of heart. It highlights a fundamental insincerity in their relationship with righteousness.
Matthew 6:1: "Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven."
Isaiah 29:13: "The Lord says: 'These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.'
7. Self-Worship
At the heart of demonic influence is narcissism and an exaggerated sense of self-importance. Individuals controlled by dark forces often display extreme egotism, placing themselves above others and even above God. This is more than just self-confidence—it is an obsession with their perceived superiority. They expect to be worshiped or followed, manipulating others to fulfill their own desires.
2 Timothy 3:2: "For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy."
Romans 12:3: "For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment."
8. They Hate Peace
A demon-possessed or influenced person often cannot stand silence, tranquility, or stillness. They are constantly seeking distractions, often turning to harmful substances or negative behaviors to escape the reality of their own inner turmoil. Such individuals may create chaos around them simply because they cannot handle calm environments, preferring loudness, conflict, or stimulation to keep their demons at bay.
Isaiah 59:8: "The way of peace they do not know; there is no justice in their paths."
Matthew 5:9: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God."
9. They Love Strife (Drama)
In addition to hating peace, those under demonic influence often thrive on conflict. They seem to be drawn to arguments, fights, and unnecessary drama. Such individuals might seem to create problems out of thin air, often escalating minor disagreements into major confrontations. This aligns with the demonic agenda to sow division, anger, and resentment among people.
Proverbs 29:22: "An angry person stirs up conflict, and a hot-tempered person commits many sins."
Proverbs 17:19: "Whoever loves a quarrel loves sin; whoever builds a high gate invites destruction."
10. Fault Finders
Fault-finding is another hallmark of demonic influence. Such people constantly point out the flaws in others, not as a means to help them grow but to tear them down. Their criticism is sharp, unrelenting, and often exaggerated. The Bible cautions against this behavior, as it reflects hypocrisy—criticizing others while being blind to one’s own flaws. This behavior drains the energy and joy from those around them, fostering negativity and self-doubt.
Mat 7:1 Judge not, that ye be not judged.
Mat 7:2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.
Mat 7:3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?
Mat 7:4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?
Mat 7:5 Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.
Romans 14:4: "Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To their own master, servants stand or fall."
11. Cruelty
Cruelty is a defining trait of those influenced by demons. Whether it manifests as physical, emotional, or psychological harm, demons delight in the suffering of others. This cruelty can be directed toward humans, animals, or the vulnerable. The acts of cruelty often seem needless, which makes them even more malevolent. True demonic cruelty is not merely accidental; it is intentional and destructive, as seen in acts of animal abuse, bullying, and other forms of unnecessary harm.
Proverbs 12:10: "The righteous care for the needs of their animals, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel."
Psalm 11:5: "The Lord examines the righteous, but the wicked, those who love violence, he hates with a passion."
12. Controlling
Control is the ultimate goal of many demons. They seek to dominate and restrict free will. Individuals possessed or influenced by demons will often exhibit controlling behavior, trying to manipulate others to conform to their desires. This may involve financial control, emotional manipulation, or even physical domination. The hallmark of this trait is the complete disregard for another person’s autonomy or freedom, creating an oppressive environment where the controlled person feels suffocated.
1 Peter 5:3: "Not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock."
2 Corinthians 3:17: "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom."
Conclusion
These 12 characteristics offer a framework to recognize the behaviors and influences that may indicate demonic presence or possession. While not an exhaustive list, these traits help in identifying malevolent forces at work, whether in ourselves or in others. The key is to remain vigilant, spiritually grounded, and discerning in the face of such behavior. Whether seen as spiritual forces or negative psychological traits, these characteristics are disruptive, harmful, and ultimately destructive to the soul.
God allows man free will. He can , if he chooses to turn completely away from God and choose another path in his life. God of course will render punishment for his iniquity in the end but he still allows the person the freedom to walk down the wrong path. Devils don’t do that. They have to force your steps, You can’t go left if the devil needs you to go right. They try to condition you by their actions or inactions in order to gain power over you. They just damn DRAIN YOU!!!.
So there you have it. These are my twelve characteristics of devils and demon possessed individuals. I in no way am saying that this is a complete list, but for the sake of argument I submit this to you the reader. You may have other traits that may come to mind. I hope however this helps you in your daily battles with the enemy.
KELVIN L. STUBBLEFIELD IS A GRADUATE OF Middle Tennessee State University IN 1983.
HE IS THE AUTHOR OF “AMERICAN REPROBATE: GOD'S CURSE AND RESTORATION OF THE AFRICAN AMERICAN”. THAT WAS PUBLISHED IN 2012.
HE AND HIS WIFE SANDRIA CO-FOUNDED “BIGSTUB CREATIONS” IN 2018. We are a vehicle for creativity! Our mission is to encourage individuals to utilize their artistic expression through the performing arts.
He has RECENTLY published his second book in November 2023.
STAYING HUMAN: EXAMINING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN GOD, MAN AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE”.
Biblical, Spiritual, and Social Analysis and Solutions to Black Americans and Mainstream AMERICAN Dysgenics, Narcissistic Self Indulgence, and the Current Politics of Self Annihilation. Amidst the dawning of Artificial General intelligence and Trans-Humanity.
TO PURCHASE HIS PUBLICATIONS OR LEARN ABOUT OUR NEXT PROJECT, YOU CAN VISIT THE FOLLOWING WEBSITES
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