Warning Against False Prophets – You Will Know Them by Their Fruits

Introduction

Throughout history, people have sought leaders, teachers, and prophets who could show the way to God. But both the Bible and the words of Jesus remind us that not everyone who speaks in the name of God truly leads people closer to Him. Jesus says: “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits.” (Matt 7:15–16). This is not meant to create fear but to give wisdom. For when we learn to look at the fruits, we ourselves become able to discern what comes from love and what arises from ego.

Chapter 1: All Humans Carry an Ego

An important first step is to acknowledge that all humans carry an ego. The ego is not always evil, but it colors our words, actions, and interpretations. Therefore, no person can be a “pure” prophet. Even the most sincere bearers of God’s word will be influenced by their own mind. This insight helps us meet others with understanding instead of condemnation. We see that a false prophet is not necessarily a deceiver with evil intentions, but simply a human being who cannot convey the whole truth alone.

At the same time, this reminds us that we cannot rest our entire faith on human teachers. They can inspire, guide, and open the door, but they can never be the ultimate source of truth. That is why Jesus’ teaching so strongly points to turning directly to God in prayer and stillness.

Chapter 2: The Teaching of Jesus – A Path to Direct Contact

Jesus emphasized again and again that each person has the possibility to seek God directly. He taught the disciples to pray with the words: “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” (Matt 7:7). These words are not reserved for a select few, but apply to all. A priest, a teacher, or a prophet can help us along the way, but the true contact takes place between the soul and God.

Thus it becomes clear: this is why discernment is so important. When we learn from others, we should receive what leads us closer to love, peace, and truth. But we should also dare to set aside what confuses, distorts, or creates fear. Jesus called this looking at the fruits.

Chapter 3: Fruits Reveal the Source

What does it really mean to look at the fruits? Jesus explains: “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.” (Matt 7:17–18). Here we are given a clear principle: we do not need to guess at a person’s motives. We can simply look at what their teaching produces.

If the words lead to fear, division, and self-exaltation, it is a sign that ego is at the center. If the words lead to love, forgiveness, and peace, they point toward God. This is the test Jesus gives us—not as a judgment over others, but as a tool to guard our hearts.

Chapter 4: Prophets as Guides, Not Sources of Truth

A true prophet can be an important witness, but never the ultimate source of truth. God alone can give you what you truly need to hear. Therefore, it is wise to see prophets and teachers as temporary guides. We can learn from them for a time, but eventually we must move on and stand in our own contact with God.

This also reminds us that we ourselves can fall into the same trap. Even when we share our own faith or testimony, we are vulnerable to ego putting words into our mouths. Therefore, humility is needed. We can point to God, but we can never claim to own the truth.

Chapter 5: Your Own Contact with God

The Bible tells us that the Holy Spirit is given to each believer. John writes: “But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and you all have knowledge.” (1 John 2:20). This anointing is not dependent on an intermediary. It is a promise that God Himself can teach you directly.

Therefore, the most important guidance in the face of false prophets is to develop your own inner contact with God. This happens through prayer, stillness, meditation, and daily living in love. When the heart is anchored in God, it becomes easier to discern what is true.

Chapter 6: The Play of Ego and the Light of Love

But how do we avoid deceiving ourselves? Ego can color our own understanding just as much as that of others. Here the key is to always interpret in the light of love. Paul reminds us: “Let all that you do be done in love.” (1 Cor 16:14). If what we think we hear from God leads us away from love, we should be cautious. God never contradicts His own nature, and His nature is love.

This is why it is so important to proceed carefully. It is right to ask questions, to seek confirmation, to wait in stillness. When the answer comes with peace, with light, and with love, we can trust that it is from God.

Chapter 7: The Role of Community

Even though personal contact is essential, this does not mean that community is unnecessary. On the contrary, we can support each other in discernment. Paul writes: “Test everything; hold fast what is good.” (1 Thess 5:21). In community we can share experiences, reflect each other, and remind each other to seek love first.

But even in community the principle of fruits applies. When a community grows in warmth, care, and justice, it is a good sign. When a community is ruled by control, fear, and power, we should be cautious. Here God gives us freedom to choose what builds up.

Chapter 8: Guidance Rather Than Warning

When Jesus warned against false prophets, it was not to create a culture of fear and suspicion. It was to teach us discernment, so that we could find the genuine path to God. The main emphasis is therefore not on pointing out who is false, but on learning to live in truth ourselves.

The best protection against false prophets is to become familiar with God’s voice. The deeper you know love, the easier it becomes to recognize what is empty or ego-driven.

Chapter 9: The Inner Journey

In the end, this is an inner journey. Prophets, teachers, and communities can be helpful, but no one can walk the path for you. Jesus says: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6). This means we must always return to his words, his example, and his love. He showed us that the way to God is to live in surrender, truth, and love.

This journey is not an achievement, but a relationship. It is about learning to hear God’s voice in the heart, to act in love, and to be shaped by the Spirit day by day.

Conclusion

The warning against false prophets is, at its core, an invitation to something greater: to seek God Himself, to be led by love, and to discern the fruits in the life around us. When we see that a teaching or a community brings peace, love, and justice, we can trust that God is at work. When we see fear, division, and hunger for power, we know that ego has taken control.

But in the midst of all this there is a certainty: God speaks to each person. Your own contact with God is stronger than anyone else’s words. Prophets can point the way, but only God can fill the heart with truth. Therefore, the encouragement is not to fear false prophets, but to grow in the love that makes us able to discern the fruits. For love is always the clearest sign of God’s presence.