A False Prophet

• usually is reluctant to speak for God

• eagerly takes on the job of speaking for God

• listens to the authentic voice of God within him or her and then communicates God’s thoughts

• listens to his or her own opinions and wishes, communicating those as God’s thoughts

• tells people the truth, even if it hurts

• says what people want to hear

• is a realist

• is an optimist

• conveys a message that is consistent with the faith of Israel, the Sinai covenant

• conveys a message that is consistent with most people’s inclinations

• is unpopular, holds no official position, and suffers for telling the truth

• is popular, often holds an official position, and leads a comfortable lifestyle

• offers people hope and a means of surviving suffering and devastation

• offers people no way to make sense of suffering and loss

• lives the message preached

• talks a lot without taking action

• has a message that stands the test of time

• has a message that does not hold up over time; it is not confirmed by historical development