What does the Bible say about False Prophets?

Ezekiel 14

What does the Bible say about False Prophets?

Bible is very clear about the fact of their existence and we have been repeatedly warned about them. In Ezekiel 13, God specifically condemns the false prophets, in fact, he asks Ezekiel to prophesy against the false prophets. 

Ezekiel 13:3 - Thus says the Lord God, Woe to the foolish prophets who follow their own spirit, and have seen nothing! 

God refers to them as jackals among ruins - animals who feasts on the ruins. God called prophets to build the ruins and repair broken walls, so that the city (people) may be able to stand the battle. In today's world, prophets are called to correct and strengthen Christians to fight daily spiritual battles. Instead, God rebukes the false prophets for seeing false visions and lying divination's and even saying ‘declares the Lord” when he has not spoken to them. 

Ezekiel 13:8-9 -  Therefore thus says the Lord God: “Because you have uttered falsehood and seen lying visions, therefore behold, I am against you, declares the Lord God. My hand will be against the prophets who see false visions and who give lying divinations. They shall not be in the council of my people, nor be enrolled in the register of the house of Israel, nor shall they enter the land of Israel. And you shall know that I am the Lord God. 

God says that he is against the prophets because they have misled His people, saying “peace" when there is "no peace”. God speaks against women prophets too. 

Ezekiel 13:17–18 - “Woe to the women who sew magic bands upon all wrists, and make veils for the heads of persons of every stature, in the hunt for souls! Will you hunt down souls belonging to my people and keep your own souls alive? You have profaned me among my people for handfuls of barley and for pieces of bread, putting to death souls who should not die and keeping alive souls who should not live, by your lying to my people, who listen to lies”. 

Some translations use the word ‘sought to make a pillow for every elbow”. This seem to refer to the prophets giving speeches to make the people comfortable. These prophets  praise people when they need to be rebuked.  God is also against those prophets who grieve His people, prophets who curse God's people when they don’t deserve it . He also rebukes prophets who profane God's name among His people especially for financial gains.

Ezekiel 13:22 - Because you have disheartened the righteous falsely, although I have not grieved him, and you have encouraged the wicked, that he should not turn from his evil way to save his life, therefore you shall no more see false visions nor practice divination. I will deliver my people out of your hand. And you shall know that I am the Lord.” 

To think that God has to deliver from his people from prophets who speak in His name is an irony and yet a reality.

How does a Christian become gullible in following false prophets?

It was amazing to see how the word has explained the cause and effect very much like science. In this chapter, God clearly explains that the main reason for Christians being prone to false prophecies is the idols in their heart. Ezekiel 14 condemns idolatry.  

Ezekiel 14:1-5 “And the word of the Lord came to me: “Son of man, these men have taken their idols into their hearts, and set the stumbling block of their iniquity before their faces. Should I indeed let myself be consulted by them? Therefore speak to them and say to them, Thus says the Lord God: Any one of the house of Israel who takes his idols into his heart and sets the stumbling block of his iniquity before his face, and yet comes to the prophet, I the Lord will answer him as he comes with the multitude of his idols, that I may lay hold of the hearts of the house of Israel, who are all estranged from me through their idols.”

These verses mention that when a believer who does not have God and His will as His first priority, but have bitterness, greed, pride and aims to amass wealth for his own benefit, (which becomes idols in his life and a stumbling block in his Christian journey), when such a person asks a prophet for counsel, the Lord will answer Him and He will set his face against that man. How dreadful it will be to have God Almighty’s hand against you. The following verses explain further the consequences for the false prophet. When an idolater or in our situation, a Christian with the wrong motive comes to a false prophet, the prophet will be enticed by the Lord to speak false prophecy. The end result will be the same for the false prophet and the idolater – eternal damnation and separation from God and His chosen people.

So as Christians, it is so important that we evaluate our motives on a daily basis. If our hearts are directly in tune with the Word of God, we would be able to discern the ultimate will of God in our lives. 

King David says in Psalm 139:23, 24  - Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts. And see if there be any grievous way in me,   and lead me in the way everlasting. 

Psalm 4:4 Tremble and do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent. Offer the sacrifices of the righteous and trust in the Lord.

This is a guest post by my wife.