What characteristics identify false prophets as described in Jeremiah 23:31?

Setting the Scene

“ ‘Yes,’ declares the LORD, ‘I am against the prophets who wag their own tongues and proclaim, “The LORD declares it.”’ ” (Jeremiah 23:31)

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Core Characteristics in Jeremiah 23:31

• Self-generated messages—“wag their own tongues”

• Presumption—boldly attach God’s name to their own words

• Counterfeit authority—sound spiritual, yet lack divine commission

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Expanded Traits (seen elsewhere in the chapter and wider Scripture)

• Steal or recycle one another’s sayings (Jeremiah 23:30)

• Traffic in lying dreams (Jeremiah 23:32)

• Lead God’s people into error (Jeremiah 23:32)

• Speak peace when judgment is coming (Jeremiah 23:17)

• Operate for personal gain or applause (Micah 3:5, 11)

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Cross-References

• Deuteronomy 18:20 – “the prophet who presumes to speak a word in My name… must die.”

• Ezekiel 13:6-7 – “visions that are false… lying divinations.”

• Matthew 7:15 – “Beware of false prophets… inwardly they are ravenous wolves.”

• 2 Peter 2:1 – “false teachers… secretly introduce destructive heresies.”

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Practical Takeaways for Today

• Test every message by the written Word (Acts 17:11).

• Look for fruit that matches godly character (Matthew 7:16-20).

• Reject any teaching that contradicts the clear counsel of Scripture (Galatians 1:8-9).