Beware of False Prophets | Matthew 7:15-20

Matthew 7:15-20 "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them."

Things are not always what they appear, neither are people. Humans are masters of disguise; we know how to put on a happy face when we are actually troubled, or a sad face when we want to manipulate the emotions of others. Amongst the disguises worn, perhaps the most dangerous is the sheep's disguise, worn by those whose nature is more akin to a wolf.

Sheep and wolves are very different creatures: one is prey and the other predator, one slow and clumsy, the other quick and agile. Wolves travel in packs but sheep in flocks; the sheep is looking for a shepherd to lead him, but the wolf is driven by carnal desires to fulfill his gnawing appetite. So it is with the wolves among us — they come in a disguise, with cruel intentions, driven by carnal desires of their own. They will associate with other wolves, then plan their attack. Whilst they are a serious danger, we do have one advantage: our Shepherd. We are no match for the wolves, but they are no match for the Shepherd — His rod and staff comfort us!

These false prophets can hide their intentions, but they cannot hide their fruit. The wickedness that is in their heart will come out in their mouths, their actions, and their reactions. Don't be fooled by the cunning disguise of men wearing a preacher's garb or sporting their Sunday best — look deeper, to the heart and the fruit it bears out in their lives. As surely as a fig tree doesn't produce thorns, neither can these evil-hearted men produce good works.

If they make much of money using the platform of God for extortion, if they use their influence to garner the praise of men, or spread false doctrines for self-interest, these are false prophets, no matter how cunningly they are disguised. But if they mount the pulpit and make much of Christ, and preach the word unashamedly, no matter the consequence, for the glory of God and the edification of His people — then thank God for good fruit. Don't mind if they wear a leather girdle like John the Baptist, or are poor like our Lord Jesus, or are a vagabond like Paul. Be glad that from a pure heart their good fruit has abounded unto your betterment.

Who do you lend your ear to? Are they keepers of the greater law of love, or are they "whited sepulchres . . . full of dead men's bones"? Be careful who you lend your ear to; the words of false prophets will "eat as doth a canker," as it did in the church at Ephesus. Be sure there are only two kinds, good and evil — and "by their fruits ye shall know them."