“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,” Matthew 7:15-18, KJV.
What is a false prophet? Well, let me begin with the meaning of the word prophet. It is commonly defined as a person who speaks by divine inspiration or as the interpreter through whom the will of a god is expressed. This can be the true and living God or it can be a false god, as they have messengers too. Back in the Old Testament, Exodus 7:1-2, KJV, we are told what prophet means. “And the LORD said unto Moses, See, I have made thee a god to Pharaoh: and Aaron thy brother shall be thy prophet. Thou shalt speak all that I command thee: and Aaron thy brother shall speak unto Pharaoh, that he send the children of Israel out of his land.”
Moses was as a god because he received the word directly from God. Aaron was the prophet, simply delivering the message. So, when Jesus warned us to beware of false prophets, He was warning us to be wise (as serpents) because there are many who come in sheep’s clothing. Coming in a manner that appears to be innocent and docile, very meek and unassuming, but inwardly they are “ravening wolves.” The nature of a wolf is to hunt down prey. They attack and at times travel in packs, gaining momentum with each opportunity to destroy. Be weary of those whose words to you are contradicted by their attitudes to others; the Lord says you will know them by their fruits.
Fruits, this is our produce. What is being produced daily in our lives? What are we saying to others with our actions? It is clear that many proclaim salvation, yet display damnation. It is disheartening that some speak righteousness, but carry out wickedness. It is necessary to be on guard, because so many are falling “by the way side” due to these false prophets.
It is easy to say that people make mistakes, which indeed we all do, but that does not give a free license for anyone to dress in the clothes of prophet, and haven’t had the stain of sins washed away, which is salvation. When God says to come to Him with your whole heart, He means it. He doesn’t deserve what’s left over from the other gods one may serve. He knows when we’re being honest, not forfeiting the struggles we face. He understands and deals with us individually. But He also tells us that a good tree cannot produce bad fruit and a corrupt (crooked, immoral) tree cannot produce good fruit.
Our life's book is being recorded, day in and day out, and we must consider our ways. Examining the man in the mirror, what kind of fruit are you bearing? If God shook the tree of those bearing good fruits planted in Him, would you fall out?
“Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them,” Matthew 7:19-20, KJV.
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