Jeremiah 23:16Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

These words are spoken by the Lord. What evidence do you observe? It is evident in their deceit, the rise of wickedness, and the abundance of carelessness.

To prevent individuals from believing themselves innocent of blame when they follow deceitful leaders, it is stated, “Do not listen to the words of the prophets, who foretell you lies and deceive you. For there will be equal punishment for both teacher and disciple.” These prophets do not convey messages from the Lord; rather, they speak from their own imaginations. They direct their words toward those who blaspheme against Me, including heretics and the wicked, as well as those who dismiss My teachings. What is it that they proclaim? The Lord declared, “You shall have peace.

They express what resides within their hearts, rather than conveying the message of the Lord. They assure tranquility, a promise I have not made. (Jeremiah 23:17) "To all who follow their own desires, and to those who persist in the hardness of their hearts, they proclaim, 'No harm will befall you.'" (Jer. 23:18) "Who can stand in the counsel of the Lord to see and to hear His words? Who will listen to His message and heed it?" By asserting this, they embolden those who engage in deception, allowing them to persist in wrongdoing and preventing them from receiving the words of the prophets.