False guidance, often referred to as false prophecy or misleading counsel, is a significant theme in the Bible, warning believers of the spiritual and practical dangers posed by those who claim divine insight or authority but lead others astray. The Scriptures provide numerous examples and teachings that underscore the importance of discernment and adherence to true doctrine.

Old Testament Warnings

The Old Testament is replete with admonitions against false prophets and misleading guidance. In Deuteronomy 13:1-3 , Moses warns the Israelites, "If a prophet or dreamer of dreams arises among you and proclaims a sign or wonder to you, and if the sign or wonder he has spoken to you comes to pass, but he says, ‘Let us follow other gods’ (which you have not known) ‘and let us worship them,’ you must not listen to the words of that prophet or dreamer." This passage highlights the danger of being swayed by signs and wonders that lead away from the worship of the one true God.

Jeremiah, a prophet during a tumultuous period in Israel's history, frequently confronted false prophets who offered misleading assurances of peace. In Jeremiah 23:16 , the Lord declares, "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." This underscores the peril of accepting guidance that contradicts God's revealed word.

New Testament Teachings

The New Testament continues to address the issue of false guidance, particularly in the context of the early church. Jesus Himself warned of false prophets in Matthew 7:15 , saying, "Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves." This metaphor illustrates the deceptive nature of false guides who appear benign but harbor destructive intentions.

The Apostle Paul, in his letters, frequently cautioned against false teachers. In 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 , he writes, "For such men are false apostles, 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." Paul emphasizes the cunning and deceptive nature of false guidance, which can appear righteous but ultimately leads away from the truth.

Criteria for Discernment

The Bible provides criteria for discerning true guidance from false. In 1 John 4:1 , believers are instructed, "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 teachings with the established truths of Scripture and the character of God.

The Bereans, mentioned in Acts 17:11 , serve as a model for discernment: "Now the Bereans were more noble-minded than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if these teachings were true." Their diligence in verifying teachings against Scripture is commended as a safeguard against false guidance.

Consequences of Following False Guidance

The consequences of following false guidance are severe, both spiritually and communally. 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 that will even deny 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." This passage highlights the destructive impact of false teachings on individuals and the broader community of faith.

Conclusion

The Bible's consistent warnings against false guidance serve as a call to vigilance and discernment for believers. By adhering to the truth of Scripture and seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit, Christians are equipped to recognize and resist the dangers posed by false prophets and teachers.