15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 16 You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?” Matthew 7:15-16 (ESV)

Jesus tells us that we will recognize them by their fruits. A tree may be beautiful, decorative, and provide shade in the summer, but its primary purpose is to bear fruit. Therefore, it is judged by what it produces, not by its appearance. Similarly, a prophet, in general terms, is someone who speaks on behalf of God and should be judged by their life, not just by their appearance or words.

It is possible for grapes to get stuck on thornbushes and figs on thistles. From a distance, it might seem as though they are growing on real fruit trees. Since the grape is genuine, an unsuspecting person might conclude that the tree must also be genuine.

Real Christians can be deceived by false prophets. When believers do not study or obey the Word of God, and laziness creeps into their prayer life, it becomes easy for them to be deceived by someone who appears to have good intentions, especially if that person is positive and permissive. This puts them in danger of being like grapes on thornbushes or figs on thistles. Satan loves to use God’s own people to promote his work.

False prophets only say what people want to hear, just as in the time of Jeremiah:

31 “The prophets prophesy falsely,

and the priests rule at their direction;

my people love to have it so,

but what will you do when the end comes?” Jeremiah 5:31 (ESV)

People want to hear illusions, not truths. They seek pleasures and fantasies, and they resent being confronted. They want motivation, but not correction; positive words, but not hard truths.