624. 14:5 And in their mouth was found no deceit. This symbolically means that they do not speak with cunning or with a purpose to persuade people of falsity and evil.

A mouth symbolizes speech, preaching, and doctrine (no. 452). And deceit symbolizes a persuasion to evil by means of falsity, especially with cunning and purpose. For someone who urges something with cunning or deceit also does so on purpose. Indeed, cunning or deceit proposes it to itself, conceals it, and acts on it when given the opportunity.

A lie in the Word symbolizes falsity and false speaking. Deceit symbolizes each of these on purpose. Lying and deceit are both mentioned in the following passages:

(Jesus said of Nathanael,) "Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!" (John 1:47)

The remnant of Israel shall... not speak a lie, nor shall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth. (Zephaniah 3:13)

...He did no violence, nor was any deceit in His mouth. (Isaiah 53:9)

Her rich men are full of violence, her inhabitants speak falsehood, and their tongue is deceitful in their mouth. (Micah 6:12)

You shall destroy those who speak falsehood; Jehovah abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man. (Psalms 5:6)

Deliver my soul, O Jehovah, from lying lips and from a deceitful tongue. (Psalms 120:2-3)

They have taught their tongue to speak lies... Your dwelling is in the midst of deceit; through deceit they have refused to know Me. (Jeremiah 9:5-6)

Ephraim has encircled Me with lies, and the house of Israel with deceit. (Hosea 11:12)

But if someone purposes to kill his neighbor by deceit, you shall take him from My altar and he will die. (Exodus 21:14)

Cursed is he who does the work of Jehovah deceitfully... (Jeremiah 48:10)

And so on elsewhere, as for instance in Jeremiah 5:26-27; 8:5; 14:14; 23:26; Job 13:7; 27:4.

Deceitful people are symbolically meant in the Word by poisonous reptiles, such as crocodiles and vipers, and their deceit by the reptiles' poison.