The Bible is full of stories of virtuous women, but within the ancient narrative are also tales showing the darker side of womanhood. Unrestrained desire ultimately led to entrapment of one kind or another; lust was often at the heart of marital deception, infidelity, and betrayal. Women featured in the old Testament stories had little power to thwart men intent on being with them. However, in some instances, the women themselves were the agents of deceit, manipulating a situation for personal gain, sometimes with dire consequences.