BIBLICAL DESCRIPTION OF A SOOTHSAYER

A soothsayer is a person who claims to predict the future through supernatural means, often relying on spirits, divination, or occult practices. The Bible consistently condemns soothsaying as an abomination and a practice associated with paganism and rebellion against God. Soothsaying is contrary to God’s will because it seeks guidance apart from Him and aligns with the works of darkness.

Key Characteristics of a Soothsayer in Scripture

1. Fortune-Telling Through Divination

Soothsayers rely on divination to reveal hidden knowledge or predict the future. This practice is condemned as it seeks to bypass God’s sovereign will. Example: The young girl in Philippi who used a spirit of divination to tell fortunes and bring profit to her masters (Acts 16:16–18).

2. Association with Pagan Practices

Soothsayers are often linked to idolatry and the worship of false gods. Their practices are rooted in rebellion against God’s commandments. Example: The pagan nations surrounding Israel used soothsayers, sorcerers, and diviners, which God explicitly warned His people not to imitate (Deuteronomy 18:9–14).

3. Use of Enchantments and Magic

They often employ magical rituals, charms, or spells to deceive others and claim supernatural authority.

Example: Pharaoh’s magicians, who imitated Moses’ signs with enchantments (Exodus 7:11, 22).

4. Deception Through False Prophecy

Soothsayers may masquerade as prophets of God but are motivated by greed, power, or the influence of demonic spirits.

Example: Balaam, who sought to profit from his ability to pronounce blessings or curses, was ultimately rebuked by God for his deceitful ways (Numbers 22:1–6; 2 Peter 2:15–16).

The Bible is clear: God does not speak through soothsayers, sorcerers, or anyone operating under demonic influence. Such individuals may present themselves as prophets or spiritual guides, but their practices reveal them as agents of darkness. Believers must discern and avoid these deceivers, aligning themselves only with the truth of God’s Word.

Balaam: A False Prophet Disguised as a Servant of God

Balaam is often referred to as a prophet, yet his actions revealed him as a soothsayer. Though he claimed to speak for God, his heart was bent on personal gain, even at the expense of God’s people. His story warns us of the dangers of spiritual compromise (Numbers 22:1–6; 31:8; Joshua 13:22). Peter and Jude further expose Balaam’s greed and deceit as a cautionary tale for believers (2 Peter 2:15–16; Jude 1:11).

A soothsayer operates in opposition to God’s truth, relying on forbidden practices that align with Satan’s deception. God calls His people to reject these works of darkness and trust in Him alone as the source of wisdom and guidance. As believers, we are to stand firm in the light of Christ, exposing falsehood and declaring the truth of God’s Word.

Simon the Sorcerer: A False Man of God

In Samaria, Simon deceived many by portraying himself as a great man of God, yet he practiced sorcery (Acts 8:9–13). While he outwardly embraced the faith, his heart was not surrendered to Christ. His story reminds us that miraculous signs do not always signify God’s presence; they must align with His truth.

Elymas the Sorcerer: A False Prophet Opposing the Gospel

Elymas, also known as Bar-Jesus, opposed the apostles by attempting to turn people away from the faith (Acts 13:6, 8). Though his name implied association with God, his actions revealed him as a false prophet empowered by sorcery. This example warns against those who use spiritual deception to hinder God’s work.

The Spirit of Divination: Deceptive Appearances

In Philippi, a young woman followed Paul and Silas, proclaiming them as servants of the Most High God. However, her declarations came from a spirit of divination, not the Holy Spirit (Acts 16:16–18). While her words seemed true, the source of her power was demonic. Paul rebuked the spirit, affirming that God’s truth cannot be mingled with the works of darkness.

Sorcery and Its Allies: Works of Darkness

Sorcerers, diviners, and those who consult with familiar spirits or practice witchcraft are condemned throughout Scripture. They operate through enchantments and magical powers, bringing deception and destruction (Exodus 7:11, 22; Deuteronomy 18:9–14). God calls His people to expose and reject such unfruitful works of darkness (Ephesians 5:11).

A Scriptural Warning

“And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead?”. Today, many still use the guise of spirituality to deceive. They may claim to predict the future, perform miracles, or possess divine insight, but their practices reveal their allegiance to Satan. “Then said Saul unto his servants, Seek me a woman that hath a familiar spirit, that I may go to her, and enquire of her. And his servants said to him, Behold, there is a woman that hath a familiar spirit at Endor.” Therefore, such individuals are not mouthpieces for God but agents of deception (Isaiah 8:19; 1 Samuel 28:7).

Condemnation of Soothsaying

The Bible unequivocally condemns soothsaying as a sin and an act of rebellion against God. Here are some specific passages:

1. Old Testament Prohibition

God explicitly forbids His people from engaging in soothsaying or any related practices, associating them with pagan nations.

“There shall not be found among you anyone who practices divination, or tells fortunes, or interprets omens, or a sorcerer” (Deuteronomy 18:10).

2. Condemnation of Pagan Nations

Soothsaying is cited as one of the reasons for God’s judgment on the nations.

“For the customs of the peoples are vanity: a tree from the forest is cut down and worked with an axe by the hands of a craftsman” (Jeremiah 10:3, referring to idolatrous and superstitious practices).

3. False Prophets and Deception

The Bible warns against false prophets who act like soothsayers, leading people astray with counterfeit signs and wonders.

“Do not listen to the dreams that they dream, for it is a lie that they are prophesying to you in my name; I did not send them, declares the Lord” (Jeremiah 29:8–9).

Why Soothsaying Is Condemned

1. It Rejects God’s Sovereignty

Soothsaying undermines trust in God and seeks forbidden knowledge apart from Him. Scripture reminds us that only God knows the future (Isaiah 46:9–10).

2. It Opens Doors to Demonic Influence

Many soothsayers operate through the power of familiar spirits or demons, aligning themselves with Satan's kingdom (Isaiah 8:19).

3. It Leads to Spiritual Deception

Soothsayers often provide partial truths or lies that lead people away from God’s truth (2 Thessalonians 2:9–10).

4. It Violates God’s Commandments

Seeking guidance from soothsayers reflects disobedience to God’s Word, as it directly opposes His will for His people (Leviticus 19:31).

Christian Response to Soothsaying

1. Reject and Avoid It

Believers must have no association with soothsaying or related practices. “Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them” (Ephesians 5:11).

2. Seek God Alone for Guidance

Trust in the Lord for direction and wisdom. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5–6).

3. Pray for Discernment

Ask God for spiritual discernment to identify and avoid deception. “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God” (1 John 4:1).

A Prayer for Discernment

May God open your eyes to recognize these agents of darkness, protecting you from their schemes. Pray for wisdom and discernment to align with God’s truth and remain steadfast in His Word. As we grow in spiritual maturity, let us expose deception and cling to the light of Christ.

“Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them” (Ephesians 5:11). May the Lord guide you in His truth, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

CLEAN HANDS AND PURIFIED HEART

Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? Or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully” (Psalm 24:3-4). “Clean hands and purified heart simply imply holiness within and holiness without, that is, holiness in its entirety,and this is the climax of the call of God on all flesh. God will not compromise the demand for holiness under any condition. Holiness is preferred by the holy God above every other thing in the life of man. “For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness” (1 Thessalonians 4:7). The importance of clean hands and pure heart above other things cannot be overemphasized. To walk with God and work for Him creditably here on earth, to be in favor with Him at all times, and to live with Him in eternity all depend on holiness of heart and life. Holiness encompasses all other Christian virtues such as Humility, Obedience, Love, Integrity, Newness, Empathy, Separation and Submission.

There are some people who demonstrate clean hands, manifesting a kind of outward holiness in their public life, but whose hearts are full of bitterness,evil thoughts,hatred, envy, hatred,selfish motives, to mention a few. This is nothing but hypocrisy (Matthew 23:23). Whereas on the other hand, there are some who claim that their hearts are pure even when their visible lives are devoid of godly virtues of love,meekness, kindness, gentleness, longsuffering, temperance, peace, joy and faith. Whatever reason they may present, this is self-deception and delusion. Since the fall, no man is born with clean hands and purified hearts. The Bible says, “Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me…For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Psalm 51:5; Psalm 3:23).

No man can attain God’s divine nature by himself or confer it on another man. “Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? not one” (Job 14:4). God in His infinite mercy and love has given great and exceeding precious promises for the systematic accomplishment of this His nature in man,having made appropriate, adequate and perfect provision through the substitutionary suffering and death of His only begotten Son.Right from the beginning of God’s dealing with man, up to date and till eternity,cleanliness and purity of heart stands out preferred and pre-eminent among all others demands of God from men of all races. This is not to condemn or relegate other demands of god from man such as worship, offerings, service, and the likes; but it to say that cleanliness and purity of heart comes first before others before others can be acceptable to God. The absence of cleanliness and purity of heart led to the flooding away of the antediluvian age, despite the fact that men began to call upon the name of the Lord (Genesis 4:26). Only Noah and his household in whom this greatness virtue was found escape the flood. “And the Lord said unto Noah, Come thou and all thy house into the ark; for thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation” (Genesis 7:1).God also called out Abraham from the filthiness and idolatry (Genesis 12:1) and the higher calling unto perfection. “And when Abram was ninety years old and nine,the Lord appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect” (Genesis 17:1). All through God’s dealing with the descendants of Abraham – the Israelites,the paramount thing He was passionately seeking is cleanliness and purity as clearly depicted in the commandments He gave them through Moses their leader (Exodus 20:1-7), Cleanliness and purity of heart was the qualification and mandate of the prophets and kings (Isaiah 52:11; 2 Chronicles 25:2,14-15).Cleanliness and purity of heart formed the conclusion of every message in the New Testament, either those of Christ or of the Apostles (Matthew 5:48; 2 Corinthians 6:14-18; Revelation 21:27 etc.).The implication of the foregoing is that, you may be prayerful, pious, and generous; you may even be known in the Church and be involved in the service and work of God. You may be expert in worship and even be eloquent in preaching, among many other religious activities. If you lack cleanliness and purity of heart, you would be lost forever in the lake of fire (Matthew 7:21-23). What then shall it profit you? Do you want to waste this only one life? Obviously no!

The fallen man completely lost his bearing and was totally incapacitated by the tyrant of the sinful nature. The more he tries, the more increasingly difficult it is for him to fit into God’s expected image. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God” (Romans 8:7-8). As a matter of fact, man’s effort at its best is described as filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6). But God in His infinite love and mercy, not willing that any should perish has made adequate and full provision for the cleansing of man from the filth of sin, and for purging of the heart for purity.Then see what God has for you: “Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate” (Hebrews 13:12; Read Hebrews 9:14, 22).

The Blood - of Jesus Christ which was shed at Calvary for our sins and purging, and the Bible that reveals man’s nature and the need to him with the promises of God. Whatever God has promised, He’s both able and faithful to do. Yet, man is not left without a role to play in the process of purification.A process is involved in turning sinners to saints, vanquished to victors, and carnal men to Christ-like models. It is spiritual process which God undertakes to renew, regenerate, and recondition the heart so as to eject and repel every sinful and carnal inclination, and become God-centered issuing out the fruits of righteousness. But this not every sinful and carnal inclinations, and become God-centered issuing out the fruits of righteousness. But this is not without such a heart coming to God in the due cooperation and submission to Him as the process Maker. When the heart has thus been purified, it manifests in clean hands – obvious holiness and righteousness in all life’s dealings and endeavors.