“Caveat Emptor – Let The Buyer Beware!”

“Caveat Emptor – Let The Buyer Beware!”(Mt.7:15-20).
“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.”(mt.7:15-20)
Beloved of God, through the love of God, our Saviour, we are here again. May his name forever be glorified.
A cursory reading of today’s text can conclude that the text is an indictment on false prophets. Truly, it is an indictment on false prophets who “come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly, they are ferocious wolves.” They may not be quickly identified since it is only “by their fruit you will know them.”
False prophets include
any person regarded as an inspired teacher or proclaimer of the will of God.
However, the phrase “watch out” or “beware” is not directed to the prophet who may be false; it is directed to the person depending on the prophet. “Watch out” is a caveat emptor – let the buyer beware!
Watch out is a guide stating that it is important to separate reality from subterfuge.
This is to say each of us should pray for discernment so as to know false prophets from the onset.
Paul prays: “And this is my prayer: ‘that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ” (Phi.1:9-10).
Dear friend, the importance of discernment cannot be gainsaid since there is a long time of waiting before a tree produces fruit. If we have to wait to determine the good or bad tree by their fruit, a lot of harm may be done in between.
Therefore, my friend, pray for discernment so that you can be able to choose truth from subterfuge.
Prayer: Holy Spirit fill me with a discerning spirit to be able to distinguish between truth and subterfuge and to choose truth. Amen!
Have a blessed day! Peace be with you!
Rev Babila Fochang.
12/08/2025.