Biblical prophets were God's spokespersons. "... I will put My words in his mouth. He will tell them everything I command him to." - Deut 18:18. Their primary role was correcting moral and religious abuses, calling people to repentance and practice of right worship and righteous living. As God's megaphones, they delivered His messages of hope, justice and peace for the oppressed and suffering in turbulent times. Acting as counterbalances against tyrannical leaders, they faced persecution.

Jesus warned His disciples to be careful of false prophets as outward appearances could be deceptive. Using familiar agrarian images, He said that because of their nature, thistles could never produce figs and grapes did not grow on thorns. Trees could be likened to the soul and heart of man himself. 'Fruit' is a metaphor for the works he bore - good works could never come from duplicitous and evil hearts. This is true of false prophets.

Today false prophets come in all manner of convictions. They include lifestyle influencers whose fruits are unsound - confusion, disordered attachments and disorientation. They lead us away from the truth that God revealed Himself in the person of Jesus Christ. Only when we are docile to the voice of the Holy Spirit and allow ourselves to be led by Him will our lives bear good fruit (Gal: 5:22-23).