Are They Sheep Or Wolves?

Sheep are gentle, docile, and harmless animals. I love sheep! I think they are sweet and lovely to watch.

Wolves, on the other hand, are usually ravenous and vicious. They prey on other animals, ripping them apart and devouring them.

The Bible compares false prophets or false teachers to both sheep and wolves. False teachers, deceptively claiming divine inspiration, are those who purposely teach incorrect doctrine or use manipulative prophecy for their own gain.

"Watch out for false prophets.

They come to you in sheep's clothing,

but inwardly they are ferocious wolves."

Matthew 7:15

The Bible first states that false teachers will outwardly look like sheep. In other words, false teachers will appear holy on the outside.

The most common colour for the wool of a sheep is white. The colour white often symbolizes purity and holiness. I find this comparison noteworthy and enlightening because there are many famous questionable preachers today who wear only white suits in front of their mega congregations or the tv camera lens. I can't help but wonder why they feel they have to wear all white, when the Bible says that it is not their outward clothing, but the fruits of God's spirit in their lives that will reveal the true contents of their heart.

"By their fruit you will recognize them.

Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes,

or figs from thistles?

Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit,

but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit,

and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit.

Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down

and thrown into the fire.

Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them."

Matthew 7:16-20

The Bible next states that false teachers will inwardly be like ferocious wolves. These false teachers will prey on other people for their money, feeding off them. The primary motive of a false teacher is not to serve God in ministry, but to use ministry and God's name as an opportunity to earn their living. When these false teachers see people, they don't feel for their hurts and ache for their lost empty souls. Instead they see dollar signs. They desire wealth. They lust for people's money and they will use God and His Word to get it.

God warns us to be very careful. Always promote God, but never advocate a person and give money to their ministry, unless you have been able to get to know him/her personally and have studied his/her teachings in depth.  False teachers may look and sound good, but they will deceive by mixing the truth with lies.

It saddens me to think of how many people, when they put their trust in a false teacher of God, turn their backs against God, and have their hearts and souls brutally crushed.

People beware of wolves in sheep clothing. They are increasing in number.