Discerning True Voices

Like a broken yoke in the crowd, discerning true voices shows how appearances can deceive, but God’s Word unmasks what is real.

“Then the prophet Hananiah took the yoke-bars from the neck of Jeremiah the prophet and broke them. And Hananiah spoke in the presence of all the people, saying, ‘Thus says the LORD.’”—Jeremiah 28:10–11

People thought of Hananiah as a prophet. He certainly looked and sounded the part. He knew when to make the right gestures and speak the right phrases. When he said, “Thus says the LORD,” people believed him. So they must have been impressed when he took a yoke off Jeremiah’s neck and broke it. His actions seemed genuine. But despite appearances, Hananiah was not a true prophet, and God had not told him what to say.

In contrast, Jeremiah was not trying to be popular or to manipulate anyone. His goal was to obey and please God. He didn’t rely on clever oratory or convincing gestures, but was content to speak God’s words, knowing He would confirm that Jeremiah had spoken for Him.

Today, the world is filled with people who claim to know the truth. They can be articulate and convincing. They speak with authority and proclaim their understanding of the Bible and history. They declare what they think is important and what we should believe and do.

But the example of Hananiah provides an important warning: We must not be fooled by convincing appearances or arguments. More than ever, we must be committed to discerning true words from God.

Fill your heart and mind with God’s Word. Make the Bible your barometer and standard. Seek God in prayer, and be sensitive to the leading of the Spirit.

Reflection Question: How do you evaluate what you hear against God’s truth?