How can we discern truth in light of Jeremiah 23:31's warning?

◄ How to find truth per Jeremiah 23:31? ►

“Indeed,” declares the LORD, “I am against the prophets who wag their own tongues yet declare, ‘This is the declaration of the LORD.’”

Recognizing the Danger of Self-Made Prophecy

• God opposes anyone who speaks from imagination yet stamps it with “Thus says the LORD.”

• False claims blur the line between human opinion and divine revelation, leading listeners away from the true voice of Scripture.

• The verse calls every generation to vigilance: Truth is not what we wish God had said; truth is what He actually said.

Foundational Principles for Discerning Truth

• Scripture is the final, sufficient, and inerrant authority (2 Timothy 3:16–17; John 17:17).

• God never contradicts Himself; any new message must harmonize with the whole counsel of His Word (Psalm 119:160).

• The Holy Spirit, who inspired the Scriptures, guides believers into the same truth today (John 16:13; 2 Peter 1:20–21).

Practical Steps in Testing Messages Today

1. Compare every claim with the text.

• Acts 17:11—The Bereans were “examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.”

• If it cannot be shown plainly in context, reject it.

2. Inspect the fruit of the messenger.

• Matthew 7:15-20—“By their fruit you will recognize them.”

• Look for humility, holiness, and fidelity to Christ, not charisma alone.

3. Evaluate Christ-centrality.

• Revelation 19:10—“The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”

• Any message that diminishes the person or work of Jesus is automatically suspect.

4. Listen for sound doctrine, not novel sensation.

• Galatians 1:8—Even an angel is to be rejected if preaching “a gospel contrary.”

• Truth is ancient and settled; creativity must never outrun orthodoxy.

5. Seek confirmation in the believing community.

• Proverbs 11:14—“Victory is won through many counselors.”

• Faithful pastors and mature believers serve as guardrails against private error.

Safeguards for the Heart

• Cultivate daily, systematic Bible intake so counterfeit ideas stand out immediately.

• Pray for discernment, trusting God to honor His promise to grant wisdom (James 1:5).

• Keep short accounts with sin; a pure heart sees more clearly (Matthew 5:8).

• Maintain reverent fear of the LORD, remembering He opposes deception yet delights to guide the humble (Psalm 25:9).

Encouragement to Walk in Truth

• God’s Word remains a “lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105).

• While counterfeit voices abound, the Good Shepherd still speaks unmistakably through Scripture (John 10:27).

• Stand firm, anchored in the written Word, assured that “the one who does the will of God lives forever” (1 John 2:17).