W – wicked
O – old
L – lying
V – vindictive
E – evil
S – slaves of Satan
Wolves are animals of prey and a threat to sheep especially. The Bible warns us of ‘wolves’ in sheep’s clothing. These characters camouflage themselves and prey on the vulnerable.
There are many scriptures in both the Old Testament and New Testament that talk about wolves. Read Jeremiah 5:6; Ezekiel 22:25-27; Zephaniah 3:3; Luke 10:3, Acts 20:29 and Matthew 24:24.
Deception is the tool that these wolves use. Jesus warned people about this ploy on His sermon on the Mount in Matthew 7:15. There are smooth-talking people who pose as leaders and prophets. Their scheme is to appear as genuinely caring and good individuals to win the confidence of others. In reality, they are just used as tools by the Great Deceiver, Satan himself.
Wickedness is a key attribute used by deceitful people to ensnare the foolish and vulnerable. Their minds are set on selfish ambition and manipulation. Zephaniah 3:3-4 NIV says, “Her officials within her are roaring lions; her rulers are evening wolves, who leave nothing for the morning.
Her prophets are unprincipled; they are treacherous people. Her priests profane the sanctuary and do violence to the law.”
Lust for power is another attribute that is in the makeup of wicked, evil people. This can be overt or covert and this desire for power is an unquenchable force that drives them to extreme measures.
As predators, these evil people pose as well-meaning friends but are actually fiends. They are devilish and can lead people astray by their sly and smooth talk. Their words drip of honey but are steeped in lies and masterminded by the schemes of the Father of all Lies, Satan himself.
That is why Jesus said that we must watch out for false prophets who will deceive many people, including the leaders of the church. ◊
Linda Pearl
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