Beware of False Prophets
Matthew 7:15–20 (ESV)

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.”
— Matthew 7:15–20

The Disguise of Deception

Jesus' warning in this passage is blunt and urgent: false prophets exist, and they are dangerous. These are not just misguided individuals. They are predators hiding in plain sight, cloaked in the appearance of goodness. Like wolves dressed in sheep’s clothing, they blend in with the flock but carry harmful intent.

The real danger lies in their subtlety. They do not announce their deception. Instead, they often sound sincere, look trustworthy, and even say things that seem helpful. But over time, their true nature becomes clear—not by how they appear, but by what they produce.

Fruit Reveals the Root

Jesus uses a simple but powerful metaphor: a tree is known by its fruit. A good tree bears good fruit. A bad tree bears bad fruit. You cannot separate character from outcome. While a false prophet might use all the right words, their actions, priorities, and the impact of their ministry will eventually reveal the truth.

This fruit can be seen in many forms—how someone treats others, whether they seek personal gain or humble service, whether their teaching aligns with the full counsel of Scripture or distorts it to fit a personal agenda. The fruit test takes time, but it never fails.

What Does Bad Fruit Look Like?

Bad fruit might look like:

  • Teaching that downplays or denies the authority of Scripture

  • Manipulating people for personal benefit

  • Promoting division, pride, or fear rather than unity and love

  • A pattern of immorality or a lack of accountability

  • Teaching that always comforts and never challenges

False prophets often tell people what they want to hear instead of what they need to hear. Their messages may be appealing, but they steer people away from truth.

Staying Rooted in Truth

The best defense against false prophets is not suspicion, but discernment. We are called to test everything by the Word of God. Know Scripture well. Stay in community with other believers who can offer wise counsel. Pray for wisdom and clarity. The Holy Spirit helps us see what is real and what is not.

Jesus reminds us in this passage that judgment will come. Every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down. This is not just a warning to others, but a call to self-examination. What kind of fruit are we producing in our lives?

Final Thoughts

“You will recognize them by their fruits.” This line is repeated for emphasis. Jesus does not leave us helpless in the face of deception. We are given the tools to recognize truth from falsehood. False prophets may fool people for a time, but they cannot fool God, and ultimately their fruit will expose them.

Stay alert. Stay rooted. And above all, stay connected to the One who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.