Guarding the Heart from False Voices

Written By Lettie Henley

“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.” - Matthew 7:15 (KJV)

As Jesus nears the close of the Sermon on the Mount, His tone turns sober. After teaching about prayer, judgment, and the narrow way, He now warns of deception. The command is direct: “Beware.” The Christian life is not naïve optimism; it is watchful discernment.

False prophets do not arrive announcing danger. They come “in sheep’s clothing.” Their appearance is familiar, even comforting. They may speak the language of faith, quote Scripture, and adopt the tone of spiritual authority. Outward resemblance to truth can conceal inward corruption. The threat lies not merely in error, but in subtle distortion.

Jesus exposes the heart of the issue: “inwardly they are ravening wolves.” The image is violent and intentional. Wolves do not misunderstand the flock; they prey upon it. False teaching harms souls because it misrepresents God, dilutes the gospel, and shifts trust from Christ to human ideas. Deception rarely feels dangerous at first, it often feels appealing.

This warning calls believers to measure teaching not by charisma or popularity, but by conformity to Christ and Scripture. Truth is not defined by sincerity, but by alignment with God’s revealed Word. Discernment requires familiarity with truth; we cannot recognize counterfeit unless we know what is genuine.

Yet this verse also reminds us of Christ’s care. He warns because He loves. The Shepherd protects His flock by exposing the wolf. Vigilance, then, is an expression of trust in Christ’s authority.

Matthew 7:15 invites sober reflection. What voices shape our beliefs? What influences guide our understanding of God? The call to beware is not rooted in fear, but in fidelity, to guard the gospel entrusted to us.

Truth protects the soul, know it well, and guard it carefully.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, give me discernment. Guard my heart from false teaching and align my mind with Your truth. Help me cling to Your Word and walk faithfully in it. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Lettie Henley

Lettie Henley is a devoted child of God whose journey of faith has been marked by a relentless hunger and passion for Jesus. As an autodidact, she has spent years seeking wisdom through prayer, study, and soul-searching, always striving to draw closer to her Savior. Her love for Christ fuels everything she does: whether she's sharing her story, encouraging others, or simply living out her faith daily.

A wife and mother, Lettie’s heart is rooted in her family, and she believes that walking in God’s love begins at home. She is also a loving daughter and a child of the Most High, constantly reminded that her true identity is found in Christ alone.

Through her writing and her life, Lettie seeks to inspire others to pursue Jesus with the same passion that has transformed her soul. Her desire is to be a light in this world, shining brightly for the glory of God and encouraging others to walk boldly in their faith.

https://www.lettiehenleyministries.com
Next

Clothed for the Conflict