Ezekiel 13:1-3 (NLT)
1 Then this message came to me from the Lord: 2 �Son of man, prophesy against the false prophets of Israel who are inventing their own prophecies. Say to them, �Listen to the word of the Lord. 3 This is what the Sovereign Lord says: What sorrow awaits the false prophets who are following their own imaginations and have seen nothing at all!�

The people of Israel had allowed themselves to fall victim to vain visions and flattering prophecies from false prophets. This chapter of Ezekiel is levied against those prophets for soothing the sins of Israel when they should have been bringing the people back to God. The messages they delivered pleased themselves, coming from their own imagination while ignoring any concern for God.

Jeremiah 23:25-30 gives one of the best descriptions of how God feels against those who would declare prophecy in His name that did not originate from him. Jeremiah says, �I have heard these prophets say, �Listen to the dream I had from God last night.� And then they proceed to tell lies in my name. How long will this go on? If they are prophets, they are prophets of deceit, inventing everything they say. By telling these false dreams, they are trying to get my people to forget me, just as their ancestors did by worshiping the idols of Baal. �Let these false prophets tell their dreams, but let my true messengers faithfully proclaim my every word. There is a difference between straw and grain! Does not my word burn like fire?� says the Lord. �Is it not like a mighty hammer that smashes a rock to pieces? �Therefore,� says the Lord, �I am against these prophets who steal messages from each other and claim they are from me. I am against these smooth-tongued prophets who say, �This prophecy is from the Lord!� I am against these false prophets. Their imaginary dreams are flagrant lies that lead my people into sin. I did not send or appoint them, and they have no message at all for my people. I, the Lord have spoken!� We should all understand there will always be those who will try to lead us from God by proclaiming their own words in God�s name. It is our relationship with God, reading His scriptures, and praying for answers that will help us understand those who are for God and those who are against God. Pray for wisdom and insight that you may know the difference.