Be careful of the flatterer – he who speaks to draw that he may profit. False in his ways and walk, he lures to the fire. You shall know him by his fruit. Trust not the man constant in his turmoil, who gives the victim’s speech, and creates too the victims. He speaks of peace, but has none of his own. The deceiver is not one of obvious evil, but of grand display and choice words. You have been given My Spirit that you might discern evil behind its gleeful face, and the fool beneath his cloak. Speak to Me in the moments of choice, that vision of truth be given. Deception is craft, and many a craftsman lurk for themselves, snaring the feet of those without judgment. By their fruit you will know them – forced stare of shifting eyes, a fractured window of the dark soul. Their mouth speaks with forked tongue. Good is mask; vulgar is heart. Be wise as the day grows darkened for My children.
Romans 16:17-19 (ESV) – I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive. For your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil.
Bottom Line: Deception is all around us. We used to live in a world where a man’s word was his honor, and a handshake was as solid as a 30-page contract. Those days are gone, and as we progress toward the visions recorded in Revelation, God’s Word is clear – deception will be on the rise and a danger to us. This is why it is important that we pray for sharp eyes and ears, so that we are able to discern the voices of Truth and falsehood. With the help of the Holy Spirit within us, we will be able to recognize an impostor when we see one.
