The Lord told the prophet Ezekiel why God’s people were facing trouble: “There is a conspiracy of her prophets in her midst like a roaring lion tearing the prey. They have devoured lives; they have taken treasure and precious things; they have made many widows in the midst of her” (Ezekiel 22:25).
However, it was not just the prophets who were guilty. The Lord continued by explaining how the “priests have done violence to My law…and I am profaned among them. Her princes within her are like wolves tearing the prey, by shedding blood and destroying lives in order to get dishonest gain” (Ezekiel 22:26-27).
While the priests and princes opposed God and oppressed the people, the prophets were obscuring their sins so that the people would not see the extent of their wickedness. God said they “smeared whitewash for them” and falsely claimed to speak for God (Ezekiel 22:28).
This same thing happens today, just as it has throughout the history of mankind. Evil people often seek power and use it to take advantage of and harm others. Their allies may claim to speak for God, but in reality, they are leading people to believe what is false to keep them in the dark about what is really going on.
So beware of those who conspire against God’s people. And do not be fooled by religious teachers who claim that this sort of thing is not happening. We need to be on the alert so that we can avoid being harmed by wicked people and, if possible, not be led astray from the truth.