1 John 4:1

My loved ones, do not put your faith in every spirit, but put them to the test, to see if they are from God: because a great number of false prophets have gone out into the world.

Bible in Basic English

In The King James Version

Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

In Context

2By this you may have knowledge of the Spirit of God: every spirit which says that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God:

Read all of 1 John 4

Cross References

Proverbs 14:15The simple man has faith in every word, but the man of good sense gives thought to his footsteps.

Jeremiah 29:8For this is what the Lord of armies, the God of Israel, has said: Do not let yourselves be tricked by the prophets who are among you, and the readers of signs, and give no attention to their dreams which they may have;

Matthew 24:4And Jesus said to them in answer, Take care that you are not tricked.

Mark 13:21And then if any man says to you, See, here is Christ; or, See, there; have no faith in it:

Luke 21:8And he said, Take care that you are not tricked: for a number of people will come in my name, saying, I am he; and, The time is near: do not go after them.

Acts 20:29I am conscious that after I am gone, evil wolves will come in among you, doing damage to the flock;

Matthew Henry on 1 John 4:1

In this chapter the apostle exhorts to try spirits ( ver. 1 ), gives a note to try by ( ver. 2, 3 ), shows who are of the world and who of God ( ver. 4-6 ), urges Christian love by divers considerations ( ver. 7-16 ), describes our love to God, and the effect of it, ver. 17-21 . Read the whole commentary →

This Verse In Other Editions

Study 1 John 4:1