In the biblical narrative, false prophets are depicted as individuals who claim to speak on behalf of God but instead deliver messages that lead people astray. The term "crafty" is often associated with their deceptive nature and cunning strategies to mislead the faithful. The Bible provides numerous warnings against such individuals, emphasizing the need for discernment among believers.

Old Testament Context

The Old Testament frequently addresses the issue of false prophets, highlighting their craftiness in leading Israel away from the true worship of Yahweh. In Deuteronomy 13:1-3 , Moses warns the Israelites about prophets or dreamers who perform signs and wonders but advocate for the worship of other gods: "If a prophet or dreamer of dreams arises among you and proclaims a sign or wonder to you, and if the sign or wonder he has spoken to you comes to pass, but he says, ‘Let us follow other gods’—which you have not known—‘and let us worship them,’ you must not listen to the words of that prophet or dreamer."

The prophet Jeremiah also confronts false prophets who speak lies in the name of the Lord. In Jeremiah 14:14 , the Lord declares, "The prophets are prophesying lies in My name. I did not send them or appoint them or speak to them. They are prophesying to you a false vision, a worthless divination, the deceit of their own minds." These prophets are characterized by their ability to craft messages that appear genuine but are ultimately rooted in deceit.

New Testament Warnings

The New Testament continues the theme of caution against false prophets, with Jesus Himself warning His followers. In Matthew 7:15 , Jesus advises, "Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves." This imagery underscores the craftiness of false prophets, who disguise themselves as harmless and trustworthy while harboring malicious intent.

The Apostle Paul also addresses the issue in his letters. In 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 , he writes, "For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness." Here, Paul highlights the deceptive nature of false prophets, likening their craftiness to that of Satan himself.

Characteristics and Tactics

False prophets are often characterized by their ability to manipulate and deceive through persuasive speech and counterfeit signs. They exploit the desires and fears of their audience, offering false hope or security. In 2 Peter 2:1-3 , Peter warns, "But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. Many will follow in their depravity, and because of them the way of truth will be defamed. In their greed, these false teachers will exploit you with deceptive words."

Discernment and Vigilance

The Bible encourages believers to exercise discernment and remain vigilant against the crafty tactics of false prophets. In 1 John 4:1 , the Apostle John advises, "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world." This call to discernment is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the faith and ensuring that the teachings followed are truly from God.

Throughout Scripture, the theme of false prophets serves as a sobering reminder of the spiritual warfare that believers face. Their craftiness and deceit are tools used to undermine the truth, making it imperative for Christians to remain grounded in the Word of God and to seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in discerning truth from falsehood.Matthew 7:15
Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Heretics Appeal to Scripture that they May More Easily Succeed in ...
... For of this sort are false apostles, deceitful ... brought forward passages from the
prophets; these men ... were discerned the guileless from the crafty, the genuine ...
/.../vincent/the commonitory of vincent of lerins/chapter xxv heretics appeal to.htm

Chapter i.
... the folds of his breast-plate [1160] ,' and shewed who the crafty spirit was ... but
hath charged us by His own mouth, saying, Beware of false prophets, which come ...
/.../athanasius/select works and letters or athanasius/chapter i.htm

Carmel
... they continue their frenzied devotions, the crafty priests are ... by the Lord to destroy
these false teachers. ... Elijah gives the command, "Take the prophets of Baal ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 11 carmel.htm

Psalm x.
... wickedness and ungodliness, which all false prophets have begun ... he will display their
false happiness to ... to sacrifice: another persecution is crafty, which is ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm x.htm

Psalm XI.
... Christian name; in which terror sinners shot out words crafty and sacrilegious ... whether
good or bad, who are also called false prophets: false prophets are so ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xi.htm

Treatise i. On the Unity of the Church.
... And what can be more crafty, or what more subtle, than for this enemy ... His erring
people, saying, "Hearken not unto the words of the false prophets; for the ...
/.../cyprian/the treatises of cyprian/treatise i on the unity.htm

The Career of the Antichrist
... is equally true of the many false prophets foretold in ... face again toward Babylon,
leaving the False Prophet to ... They have taken crafty counsel against Thy people ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/the career of the antichrist.htm

Jehoshaphat
... In response, Ahab called together four hundred of the false prophets of Samaria,
and asked of them, "Shall we ... They have taken crafty counsel against Thy people ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 15 jehoshaphat.htm

Standing with the People
... manner did their fathers to the false prophets."Luke 6:20 ... Now, the Hebrew prophets
with one accord stood up ... Micah describes the strong and crafty crowding the ...
/.../rauschenbusch/the social principles of jesus/chapter iii standing with the.htm

A Treatise on Re-Baptism by an Anonymous Writer.
... there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall ... into the chorus of
the prophets, and they ... their depravity, and therefore very crafty men seek ...
/.../a treatise of novatian concerning the trinity/a treatise on re-baptism by.htm

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