Matthew 7:15

Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.

Study Bible

Beware
The Greek word used here is "προσέχετε" (prosechete), which means to be cautious or to take heed. This is a strong admonition from Jesus, urging His followers to be vigilant and discerning. In the historical context, the early church faced many challenges from false teachings, and this warning remains relevant today. The call to "beware" is a reminder to Christians to be spiritually alert and to test all teachings against the truth of Scripture.

of false prophets
The term "false prophets" comes from the Greek "ψευδοπροφήτες" (pseudoprophētēs). These are individuals who claim to speak for God but are actually deceivers. Throughout biblical history, false prophets have led people astray, from the time of the Old Testament to the New Testament church. The conservative Christian perspective emphasizes the importance of sound doctrine and the dangers of being led away from the truth by those who distort God’s Word.

They come to you
This phrase indicates the proactive nature of false prophets. They do not wait for people to seek them out; instead, they actively infiltrate communities of believers. This suggests a deliberate and strategic effort to deceive. Historically, false teachers have often emerged within the church, making it crucial for believers to be discerning and grounded in Scripture.

in sheep’s clothing
The imagery of "sheep’s clothing" is powerful, as it suggests an outward appearance of innocence and harmlessness. Sheep are often used in the Bible to symbolize purity and the people of God. False prophets disguise themselves to blend in with true believers, making it difficult to discern their true nature. This calls for wisdom and discernment, as appearances can be deceiving.

but inwardly
The contrast between outward appearance and inward reality is stark. The Greek word "ἔσωθεν" (esōthen) emphasizes the internal nature of these false prophets. While they may appear righteous, their hearts and intentions are corrupt. This highlights the biblical principle that God looks at the heart, not just outward appearances (1 Samuel 16:7).

they are ravenous wolves
The metaphor of "ravenous wolves" is striking and conveys the danger and destructiveness of false prophets. Wolves are natural predators of sheep, and their presence among the flock is a threat to its safety. The Greek word "ἅρπαγες" (harpages) suggests a greedy and rapacious nature. This imagery underscores the destructive impact false prophets can have on the spiritual well-being of believers. From a conservative Christian perspective, this serves as a call to protect the integrity of the faith and to guard against those who would seek to devour the flock through false teachings.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jesus Christ
The speaker of this verse, delivering the Sermon on the Mount, a foundational teaching moment in His ministry.

2. False Prophets
Individuals who claim to speak for God but lead people astray with false teachings.

3. Sheep's Clothing
A metaphor for outward appearances that disguise true intentions.

4. Ravenous Wolves
A metaphor for the destructive nature of false prophets, emphasizing their danger to the spiritual well-being of believers.

5. The Sermon on the Mount
The context in which this teaching is given, covering Matthew chapters 5-7, where Jesus provides guidance on righteous living.

Teaching Points

Discernment is Essential
Believers must cultivate spiritual discernment to identify and avoid false prophets. This involves knowing Scripture well and being sensitive to the Holy Spirit's guidance.

Outward Appearances Can Be Deceptive
Just as wolves can disguise themselves as sheep, false prophets can appear genuine. Believers should look beyond appearances and evaluate teachings against the truth of God's Word.

The Danger of False Teachings
False prophets can lead believers away from the truth, causing spiritual harm. It is crucial to remain vigilant and grounded in sound doctrine.

The Role of the Community
The church community plays a vital role in protecting against false teachings. Accountability and collective discernment help safeguard the faith.

Testing the Spirits
As instructed in 1 John 4:1, believers should test the spirits to ensure teachings align with the truth of the Gospel. This involves prayer, study, and seeking wise counsel.

Bible Study Questions

1. What characteristics can help us identify false prophets, and how can we apply these in our daily lives?

2. How does the metaphor of "sheep's clothing" and "ravenous wolves" help us understand the nature of false prophets?

3. In what ways can we cultivate discernment to protect ourselves and our communities from false teachings?

4. How do the warnings about false prophets in the New Testament connect with similar warnings in the Old Testament?

5. What role does the church community play in helping believers discern and respond to false teachings? How can you contribute to this effort?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 13:1-5
Discusses the test of a true prophet and the consequences of following false prophets, emphasizing the importance of adherence to God's commandments.

2 Peter 2:1-3
Warns of false teachers among believers, highlighting their destructive heresies and the exploitation of believers.

1 John 4:1
Encourages believers to test the spirits to discern whether they are from God, as many false prophets have gone out into the world.

Acts 20:29-30
Paul warns the Ephesian elders about savage wolves that will come in among them, not sparing the flock, drawing parallels to Jesus' warning.

Jeremiah 23:16
Warns against listening to the words of false prophets who speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the Lord.