IN THE common use of the word, a “prophet” is one that foretells; but the word sometimes means simply a “teacher.” True and false prophets may be known.
The prophets of God are teachers of purity, reprovers of sin, and faithful in warning the people of coming dangers.
Isaiah 58:1 Cry aloud, spare not, lift up your voice like a trumpet, and show my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.
Joel 2:1 Blow the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain; let all the inhabitants of the land tremble; for the day of the Lord comes, for it is nigh at hand.
False prophets
---do not reprove the people for their sins,
---and do not warn them of coming danger;
but they proclaim peace to the sinner. Their teachings lead from God and His word, and are such as please the unconverted mind.
Ezekiel 13:9 And my hand shall be upon the prophets that see vanity, and that divine lies; they shall not be in the assembly of my people,
Jeremiah 14:13,14 Then said I, Ah, Lord God! behold, the prophets say unto them, You shall not see the sword, neither shall you have famine; but I will give you assured peace in this place. Then the Lord said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spoke unto them."
A.T. Jones