A false prophet is a person who claims to speak on God's behalf but they're actually an agent of
Satan. The Bible says in Matthew 7 15, beware of false prophets which come to you in sheep's clothing
but inwardly they're ravening wolves. And the implication there is that Christians might have
a hard time identifying the wolf because it looks so much like the sheep. Well one of the glaring
characteristics of a false prophet is their flattery. Flattery being the insincere and
excessive praise that a person gives in order to further their own interest. And false prophets
will often preach positive only sermons like Joel Osteen. They'll never condemn sin. They'll tell
people what they want to hear in order to further their own financial gain. Well the Bible tells us
in 2 Peter chapter 2 when talking about false prophets that through covetousness shall they
with feigned words make merchandise of you. The Bible says that he that flattereth his neighbor
spread at the net for his feet. The pastor who excessively praises his congregation and the
individuals in his congregation and never preaches against sin has an ulterior motive.
Beware of the flatterer.