Jeremiah 23:28

Jeremiah 23:28

Jeremiah 23:28 contrasts two kinds of spokesmen: the prophet who has a dream and the prophet who has God’s word. The Lord’s question, “What is the chaff to the wheat?” uses agricultural imagery to elevate the value of God’s true message (the wheat) over human speculation (the chaff). The verse sits in a passage where God commands discerning between true and false prophecies. In the historical context, prophets commonly claimed inspiration, and some would justify novelty or sensational claims as equal to divine revelation. By inviting the prophet who has a dream to tell the dream but insisting that those with God’s word should speak faithfully, God foregrounds fidelity and clarity. The phrase “my word” signals a fixed standard—God’s revealed truth—over subjective experience. The chaff versus wheat image challenges listeners to weigh messages by yield and usefulness: does it build up, edify, and align with God’s covenant, or is it merely intriguing?

Theological themes include the authority and sufficiency of Scripture, the call to faithful proclamation, and the critique of self-authored prophecy. The verse embodies the conviction that divine truth remains the standard, while human dreams must be measured against that standard. It also implies pastoral responsibility: prophets bear witness to God’s speech, not personal imagination. The emphasis on “faithfully” speaking God’s word signals integrity, clarity, and responsibility to the hearers. This sets a pattern for all who teach or prophesy: fidelity to God’s revealed word matters more than personal revelation or dramatic flair. The contrast between chaff and wheat frames spiritual discernment as practical moral fruit, not merely exciting rhetoric.

Today, you can apply this by valuing steadiness and clarity over novelty. When someone claims “new” revelation or a dream-tinted teaching, ask: is this scripture-grounded? Does it uplift Christ, call to repentance, or serve people in love? Practice faithful proclamation in your own life: when you teach or share a message, quote, explain, and align with the Bible. If you don’t have a clear biblical basis, refrain from presenting it as God’s word. In church settings, favor teaching that exalts Jesus, clarifies God’s will, and leads to practical obedience—like loving enemies, pursuing justice, and living with integrity. You can also encourage others to compare what they hear with the Bible and seek accountability from wise mentors. The goal is to keep the church rooted in God’s Word rather than personal fantasies or sensational ideas.

Cross-References: Isaiah 8:20; 1 Thessalonians 5:19-21; 2 Timothy 4:2-3; Jeremiah 5:13; Amos 8:11