Matthew 7:15

Matthew 7:15

Verse 15 warns, “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.” This is a parenthetical caution within the Sermon on the Mount about the danger of deception within religious life. The image of wolves in sheep’s clothing highlights the danger of outward appearances masking harmful intent. Jewish readers would recall false prophets who used rhetoric to manipulate communities, often aligning with impressive showings or charisma. Jesus exhorts discernment based on conduct and, more importantly, fruit. The surrounding context emphasizes authenticity in discipleship and warns against being carried away by surface-level religiosity.

This verse foregrounds the epistemic and ethical need for discernment in the life of faith. It asserts that not all who claim to speak for God are trustworthy; true discernment requires examining fruits, motivations, and consequences of their teaching. It also underscores the reality of spiritual warfare—genuine faith will be tested by counterfeit messages.

Be cautious of leaders or movements that emphasize impressive rhetoric, power, or control without consistent moral integrity and visible love. Practice discernment by evaluating outcomes: does the ministry produce humility, justice, liberty, and mercy? Encourage accountability and scripture-backed testing of teaching. Build community where questions can be asked, and red flags are addressed openly. When you encounter someone advocating harmful doctrine or manipulation, step back and seek wiser counsel, grounding conclusions in the white-hot light of Scripture.

Cross-References: 2 Peter 2:1-3; Matthew 24:11; 1 John 4:1; Galatians 1:9; Jeremiah 23:16-22