“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”  1 John 4:1

There are many who are gullible in the world as we see in Scripture starting in Genesis with Adam and Eve:
“So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate.  She also gave to her husband, with her, and he ate.”  Genesis 3:6  

“Then the men of Israel took some of their provisions; but they did not ask counsel of the LORD.”  Joshua 9:14  (Read the verse in context to see why they did wrong.)

Also read this verse in context,
“Let the righteous strike me;
It shall be a kindness.
And let him reprove me; 
It shall be an excellent oil;
Let my head not refuse it.
For still my prayer is against the deeds of the wicked.”  Psalm 141:5

Our opening verse tells us to test (prove) the spirits.
The LORD speaking to Jeremiah,
“I have set you as an assayer and a fortress among My people,
That you may know and test their way.”  Jeremiah 6:27

The Apostle Paul’s letter to the Ephesians says,
“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord.  Walk as children of light…proving what is acceptable to the Lord.” 5:8-10

Paul to the Thessalonians,
“Test all things; hold fast to what is good.”  5:21

Let us now see what Scripture tells us of the false prophets:
“When a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD, if the thing does not happen or come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously; you shall not be afraid of him.”   Deuteronomy 18:22 

“The prophets prophesy falsely,
And the priests rule by their own power;
And My people love to have it so…”  Jeremiah 5:31

“And the LORD said to me, ‘The prophets' prophecy lies in My name.  I have not sent them, commanded them, nor spoken to them; they prophesy to you a false vision, divination, a worthless thing, and the deceit of their heart.’”  Jeremiah 14:14

“Thus says the LORD of hosts:
‘Do not listen to the word of the prophets who prophesy to you.
They make you worthless;
They speak a vision of their own heart,
Not from the mouth of the LORD.”  Jeremiah 23:16

The LORD is saying to Ezekiel,
“Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel who prophesy, and so to those who prophesy out of their own heart, ‘Hear the LORD!’
Thus says the LORD God: ‘Woe to the foolish prophets, who follow their own spirit and have no vision!  Ezekiel 13:2-3

In the New Testament we see in Matthew 7:15,
“Beware of false prophets, who come in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.”
And in 24:11,
“Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many.”  (Is this not happening in the world right now ?!)

“For false christs and false prophets will rise and show signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.
But take heed; see, I have told you all things ahead of time.”  
Mark 13:22-23

Thank you most gracious loving God for your the Holy Spirit to lead and guide and for your written word that speaks to us all for our good and your glory.  Amen