False teachers by Kenneth Bow

They stand in garments shining, yet their hearts are full of night;

They speak with swelling words of praise, but never walk in light.

They promise fountains flowing, yet their wells are dry within;

They cause the hurt of Zion, but they never call it sin.

With smooth and crafted speeches they deceive the simple soul;

They bind with cords of flattery, yet never make men whole.

They love the chiefest places, and the greeting in the street;

But tremble not before the Lord, nor bow at Mercy’s seat.

They flee when wolves are coming, for they never knew the Lamb;

Their staff is but a painted rod, their cry a hollow sham.

They steal the words of others, saying, “Thus the Lord hath said,”

While God stands far from their deceit and truth falls cold and dead.

But still the Good Shepherd rises, and His voice the sheep will hear;

His rod corrects, His staff protects, His presence calms their fear.

For every false anointed, there is One who reigns above—

The Shepherd true, whose only crown was truth, sacrifice and love.

So test the spirits daily, weigh each voice against His Word;

For many feign the prophet’s fire, yet do not obey the Lord

Cling to the ancient pathway, let His truth defend your way—

The Lamb will guard His chosen flock until His coming day.