The Bible provides numerous warnings against false prophets and dreamers, emphasizing the importance of discernment and adherence to the truth of God's Word. These warnings are found throughout both the Old and New Testaments, underscoring the persistent threat posed by those who claim divine inspiration but lead people away from the truth.

Old Testament Warnings

In the Old Testament, God explicitly warns His people about the dangers of false prophets. Deuteronomy 13:1-3 states, "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 that even if a prophet's predictions come true, their message must be tested against the faithfulness to God and His commandments.

Jeremiah also addresses the issue of false prophets, who speak visions from their own minds rather than from the mouth of the Lord. 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.'" The emphasis here is on the source of the prophecy—true prophecy originates from God, not human imagination.

New Testament Warnings

The New Testament continues to caution believers about false prophets and teachers. Jesus Himself warns in Matthew 7:15 , "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 prophets, who may appear harmless or even beneficial but ultimately seek to harm the flock.

The Apostle Paul also addresses this issue in his letters. 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 nature of false teachers and the need for vigilance among believers.

The Apostle Peter echoes these sentiments in 2 Peter 2:1 , stating, "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." Peter warns that false teachers will arise within the community, spreading heresies that can lead believers astray.

Criteria for Discernment

The Bible provides criteria for discerning true prophets from false ones. In Deuteronomy 18:21-22 , it is written, "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." This passage establishes the fulfillment of prophecy as a key test of authenticity.

Additionally, 1 John 4:1 advises believers to "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 teachings of prophets and dreamers with the established truths of Scripture and the character of God.

Conclusion

The Bible's warnings against false prophets and dreamers serve as a crucial reminder for believers to remain steadfast in their faith and discerning in their acceptance of spiritual teachings. By adhering to the Word of God and testing all teachings against it, Christians can protect themselves from deception and remain faithful to the truth.