Definition and Nature
False prophecy refers to the act of delivering messages or predictions that are claimed to be from God but are not. These messages often lead people away from the truth of God's Word and can result in spiritual deception and moral corruption. The Bible warns against false prophets and emphasizes the importance of discernment among believers.

Biblical Warnings and Characteristics
The Bible contains numerous warnings against false prophets. In the Old Testament, Deuteronomy 18:20-22 provides a clear standard for identifying false prophets: "But the prophet who presumes to speak a word in My name that I have not commanded him to speak, or who speaks in the name of other gods, that prophet must die. You may ask in your heart, ‘How can we recognize a message that the LORD has not spoken?’ When a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD and the message does not come to pass or come true, that is a message the LORD has not spoken. The prophet has spoken presumptuously. Do not be afraid of him."

False prophets often speak from their own imaginations or desires rather than from divine revelation. Jeremiah 23:16 warns, "This is what the LORD of Hosts says: 'Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you. They are filling you with false hopes. They speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the LORD.'"

New Testament Context
In the New Testament, Jesus Himself warns about false prophets. In Matthew 7:15, He states, "Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves." This metaphor highlights the deceptive nature of false prophets, who may appear harmless or even beneficial but ultimately seek to lead believers astray.

The Apostle Paul also addresses the issue of false prophecy in his letters. In 2 Corinthians 11:13-15, he describes false apostles as "deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness."

Consequences of False Prophecy
The consequences of false prophecy are severe, both for the false prophet and for those who follow them. In the Old Testament, false prophets were subject to the death penalty, as seen in Deuteronomy 18:20. This underscores the seriousness with which God views the distortion of His message.

For those who follow false prophets, the consequences can include spiritual confusion, moral decay, and separation from God. In 2 Peter 2:1-2, Peter warns, "But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. Many will follow in their depravity, and because of them the way of truth will be defamed."

Discernment and Protection
Believers are called to exercise discernment to protect themselves from false prophecy. 1 John 4:1 advises, "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world." This testing involves comparing the prophet's message with the teachings of Scripture and observing the fruit of their ministry.

The role of the Holy Spirit is crucial in guiding believers into all truth (John 16:13). By relying on the Spirit and the Word of God, Christians can guard against deception and remain steadfast in their faith.