Ezekiel 13:22
Afrikaans DB 2006 (Die Boodskap)
Julle het die mense wat goeddoen, moedeloos gemaak met al die liegstories waarmee julle te koop geloop het, dat Ek hulle nie gaan seën nie. En dit was juis dié mense - dié wat goeddoen - wat Ek wou beskerm. Maar julle het die mense wat besig is met slegte dade aangemoedig om met hulle kwaad aan te gaan deur vir hulle te sê dat Ek hulle sal seën, selfs al hou hulle aan om slegte dinge te doen.
What Does This Mean?
In this verse, God is speaking through the prophet Ezekiel, criticizing false prophets who use lies to discourage righteous people and encourage wicked people to continue their evil ways. The key message is that misleading others with false hope and lies is condemned.
Explained for Children
Imagine you have two friends: one who is kind and another who is not so nice. Now, someone keeps telling your kind friend that they are doing wrong, even when they aren't, and telling the not-so-nice friend that it's okay to be mean. This verse says that God doesn't like it when people do that.
Historical Background
Ezekiel wrote this verse around 593-571 BC, during the Babylonian exile of the Israelites. He was addressing the false prophets in Jerusalem who were misleading both the faithful and the unfaithful, causing confusion and harm.
Living It Out Today
In today's context, think about a scenario where a teacher falsely tells a diligent student that they will never succeed, while encouraging a lazy student by saying they don't need to work hard. This verse reminds us to speak truthfully and not to manipulate people's perceptions for personal gain.
Topics
truthfalsehoodprophetsrighteousnesswickednessjudgment
Related Verses
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the 'false prophets' mentioned in Ezekiel 13:22?
The 'false prophets' were individuals claiming to speak for God but spreading lies and false promises, leading people astray.
How does God view the actions of these false prophets?
God views the actions of these false prophets very negatively because they are misleading both the righteous and the wicked, causing harm and confusion.
What lesson can we learn from Ezekiel 13:22 about speaking truth?
We can learn that speaking the truth is essential, and misleading others with false promises can have serious consequences both for the liar and those being misled.
How can this verse be applied in today's society?
This verse can be applied by being mindful of the influence we have on others, ensuring that we speak truthfully and not misleading people with false promises or discouragement.