Scripture teaches we are not to defraud our brother (1 Thessalonians 4:6). The definition of the word defraud is to gain by deception. We are given two reasons. First, God will take revenge against us. Second, God has called us to holiness (1 Thessalonians 4:7-8).
There is a third aspect of deception. When we gain by deception we are truly despising the other person. We are putting our interests above another's. Our actions say we do not value that person.
Scripture puts even a more severe interpretation on fraudulent gain. Scripture says to defraud is to despise God (1 Thessalonians 4:8).
