How does Jeremiah 5:26 connect with Jesus' teachings on false prophets?

Jeremiah 5:26 – the hidden hunters

“For among My people are wicked men; they watch like fowlers lying in wait. They set a trap; they catch men.”

• God exposes deceivers already inside the covenant community.

• Their tactics are patient, calculated, and predatory—just as a bird-catcher quietly spreads his net.

• The aim is not simply to mislead but to “catch” souls for destruction.

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Jesus repeats the warning – Matthew 7:15

“Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.”

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Parallels between Jeremiah’s fowlers and Jesus’ wolves

• Inside access

– “Among My people” (Jeremiah 5:26)

– “They come to you” (Matthew 7:15)

• Deceptive appearance

– Silent trappers, blending in (Jeremiah 5:26)

– Sheep’s clothing (Matthew 7:15)

• Predatory intent

– “Catch men” (Jeremiah 5:26)

– “Ravenous wolves” (Matthew 7:15)

• Outcome: human capture or spiritual ruin.

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Further words from Jesus on the same danger

• “Many false prophets will arise and mislead many.” (Matthew 24:11)

• “False christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.” (Matthew 24:24)

• “For false christs and false prophets will appear and perform signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.” (Mark 13:22)

Each text echoes Jeremiah: infiltration, deception, and the deliberate targeting of God’s people.

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Identifying the trap – Jesus’ test (Matthew 7:16-20)

• Examine fruit, not labels.

• Good trees cannot bear bad fruit, and bad trees cannot bear good.

• Consistency with Scripture remains the sure standard (see John 8:31-32).

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Living alert today

• Stay grounded in the whole counsel of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

• Measure every message by the clear, literal teaching of Scripture (Acts 17:11).

• Look for the fruit of repentance and Christ-exalting obedience in leaders and teachers (John 15:8-10).

• Refuse to be ensnared by personality, signs, or promises that contradict the written Word.

Jeremiah’s picture of silent hunters finds its fulfillment in Jesus’ vivid portrait of wolves in disguise. From prophet to Savior, Scripture speaks with one voice: discernment is not optional, because the enemy often wears religious clothing while setting traps for trusting hearts.