How to Know True Prophecy from False Prophecy
- Jessica Frazier
- 6 days ago
- 5 min read
“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God…”
— 1 John 4:1
A few years ago, the Lord gave me a vision that shook me awake. Not with fear, but with understanding. It was a call for believers to remain steadfast, alert, guarding our walk, and not getting comfortable while the enemy is fully at work.
The more the Lord has taught me about His voice, the more I’ve become aware of a growing danger in our generation: people are running to every voice except His. Everywhere you look—social media, livestreams, viral clips—someone is claiming to speak for God. But not every message that sounds spiritual is inspired by the Spirit of God.
That’s why I want to guide you in understanding the difference, so that you don't live in confusion but stay firmly planted in God's truth.
Because false prophecy isn’t always easy to recognize.
Sometimes it makes its way into your life when your guard is down. And sometimes it confronts you in a vulnerable moment. We must practice discernment so that we don't cling to a message instead of clinging to God.
The Challenge We Face
We're living in a time where prophecy has become entertainment. People follow personalities more than they follow Jesus. They chase words about miracles and money while ignoring the very obedience those blessings are built on.
False prophecy spreads quickly because it plays on emotion. It sounds "deep" and hopeful, and even like the exact words a discouraged heart wants to hear. But that’s why discernment is so important to the believer.
Discernment is the ability to judge well, to distinguish between what is true and what is false, and to make wise decisions based on spiritual insight. It directly impacts our faith walk, moral choices, and our interactions with the world around us.
In our society of conflicting messages, varying ideologies, and a plethora of information, being able to discern becomes a life-giving gift to help us deal with life’s challenges.
And a woman who knows God’s voice will not be moved by every voice speaking about God.
What True Prophecy Actually Does
True prophecy is genuine and uncomplicated. It doesn’t manipulate or confuse. And it doesn’t create dependency on a human being.
Biblical prophecy always:
Points people back to God, not the prophet. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man…” — 2 Peter 1:21
Calls you to obedience before promising blessing. God’s pattern has never changed.
Strengthens, warns, and builds up. He that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, exhortation, and comfort.” — 1 Corinthians 14:3
Aligns with Scripture—every single time. God does not contradict His own Word.
Glorifies Christ, not the gift. When someone makes the prophecy about themselves, it’s already off track.
True prophecy is never about excitement. It's about holiness, understanding, correction, and alignment.
How False Prophecy Hooks People
Isn't it intriguing how false prophecy doesn't have to be "big"; it just needs to reach someone at the right moment?
It often hooks people when:
they're tired
they are unsure about their future
the person wants answers more than they want discipline
they’re carrying emotional burdens
they crave affirmation
the individual is spiritually hungry but not spiritually grounded
False prophets know how to sound sincere, and they know how to sound anointed. They know how to press on emotions and promise what people want.
Scripture warned us:
“Many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.” — Matthew 24:11
“They will turn their ears away from the truth…” — 2 Timothy 4:3–4
The enemy studies timing and he knows when a person is vulnerable. He also knows how to send a message that sounds spiritual but pulls you away from truth. That's why we must guard our spirit.
Signs You’re Listening to the Wrong Voice
There are clear indicators that a prophetic word is not from God. As you read each one, pray that God will help you discern these signs so that you avoid being misled:
Contradicts Scripture
Promotes emotional dependency
Glorifies the messenger
Never calls you to obedience or repentance
Focuses on money, miracles, or elevation without responsibility
Pressures you to give
Produces confusion or anxiety
Requires you to keep coming back to the prophet instead of to God
Remember, God does not need tricks, theatrics, or emotional manipulation to speak His truth into your life.
How You Can Start Discerning God’s Voice for Yourself
Discernment is not difficult, but it is intentional.
1. Know Your Bible
If you don’t know the Word, you won’t know when someone misuses it.
2. Test the Message
Does it match Scripture? Does it match God’s character?1 Thessalonians 5:20–21 says to “prove all things.”
3. Check Your Motives
Are you looking for guidance—or are you seeking someone to tell you what you want to hear?
4. Seek Wise Counsel
A pastor, leader, or spiritually mature believer can help you weigh a prophetic word.
5. Examine the Fruit of the Messenger
Look at their lifestyle. Their humility. Their accountability. Real prophets live under God, not above people.
6. Make Space to Hear God Yourself
Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice.” — John 10:27 He didn’t say, “My sheep depend on prophets to hear My voice.”
God speaks to His people. Not just through His servants, but directly to your spirit through His Word, conviction, and guidance.
Although we carry a lot as women—interceding for our families, noticing things others may overlook, and dealing with emotional and spiritual heaviness internally—the enemy knows this and tempts us to look for truth in every place but the Word. He understands the influence a praying, discerning woman has and he wants to destroy that power.
That’s why he targets discernment. Not because women are weak, but because women are strategic. A woman who hears from God becomes a threat to hell and a strength to her home. That’s why our discernment must stay sharp.
Stay Awake and Stay Firmly Planted
God is still speaking in our world today. He still warns and confirms. And He still reveals. But His voice will always lead you back to truth, holiness, wisdom, and alignment.
There’s already plenty of noise from those claiming to speak for God, so don't get distracted. Keep your ear tuned to Him because He is the One who actually speaks.
Stay grounded in Scripture, keep yourself accountable, and remain alert. When God speaks, take action; when He is silent, be patient and wait. No matter the circumstance, this spiritual posture can help you stay committed in your walk with the Lord.
Blessings,
Jessica Frazier
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