1 John 4:1

Dear friends, don't trust every spirit, but put the spirits to the test to find out whether they're from God, for there are many false prophets out there in the world.

Free Bible Version

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

2How can you recognize God's Spirit? Every spirit that accepts Jesus Christ came with a human body is from God;

Read all of 1 John 4

Cross References

Proverbs 14:15Stupid people believe whatever they're told, but sensible people think about what they're doing.

Jeremiah 29:8This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: Don't be fooled by your prophets and fortune-tellers, and don't listen to any dreams they interpret for you.

Matthew 24:4“Make sure no one misleads you,” Jesus replied.

Mark 13:21So if anyone tells you, ‘Look, here is the Messiah,’ or ‘Look, there he is,’ don't believe it.

Luke 21:8“Make sure you're not deceived,” Jesus warned them. “Many people will come claiming to be me, saying, ‘Here I am!’ and, ‘The time has come!’ but don't follow them.

Acts 20:29I know that after I leave vicious wolves will come among you, and won't spare 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