What does the Bible say about false prophets?

The Bible repeatedly warns against false prophets, individuals who claim to speak for God but lead people astray. These deceivers often mix truth with error and exploit others for personal gain, power, or recognition.

Jesus warned in Matthew 7:15:

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.”

False prophets may appear godly or spiritual, but their fruit (their teachings and actions) reveals their true nature. Scripture commands discernment:

1 John 4:1 says:

“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”

In the Old Testament, God gave clear tests to identify false prophets. Deuteronomy 18:22 says:

“When a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord, if the thing does not happen… that is the thing which the Lord has not spoken.”

False prophets often promise peace when judgment is near. Jeremiah 23:16 warns:

“They speak a vision of their own heart, not from the mouth of the Lord.”

False prophets do not call people to repentance but often comfort them in sin. They may perform signs, but their doctrine denies Christ or distorts God’s truth. Jesus said:

“For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.” (Matthew 24:24)

Paul called out false teachers who pervert the gospel:

“But even if we… preach any other gospel… let him be accursed.” (Galatians 1:8)

Believers must know Scripture, walk in the Spirit, and measure all teachings against God’s Word. False prophets will increase in the last days (2 Peter 2:1), but those who hold fast to the truth will not be deceived.

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