DOS AND DON’TS FOR THE PROPHET AND PROPHETIC MINISTRY
1. DO speak only what God reveals.
Jeremiah 23:28 — “He who has My word, let him speak My word faithfully.” Faithfulness in utterance is the foundation of prophetic integrity. Never add human opinion to divine revelation.
2. DON’T speak presumptuously.
Deuteronomy 18:20–22 — False prophecy comes from assumption, not revelation. Presuming to speak for God without His voice is rebellion and spiritual deception.
3. DO test every revelation by Scripture.
Isaiah 8:20 — “To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word…” True prophecy aligns with God’s written Word — the highest authority.
4. DON’T contradict Scripture.
Galatians 1:8 — Even an angel preaching another gospel is accursed. No prophetic word can oppose the eternal truth of the Bible.
5. DO cultivate intimacy with God.
John 15:5 — “Apart from Me you can do nothing.” Prophetic clarity flows from relationship, not gifting. The voice of God is heard through fellowship.
6. DON’T rely on spiritual gifts without prayer life.
1 Thessalonians 5:17 — “Pray without ceasing.” Without prayer, prophetic accuracy fades into mere emotional impulse.
7. DO walk in humility.
Micah 6 : 8 — “ Walk humbly with your God.” Pride disqualifies the prophet; humility preserves the voice.
8. DON’T seek recognition or fame.
John 3:30 — “He must increase, but I must decrease.”
True prophetic ministry points to Christ, not self- promotion.
9. DO pursue holiness.
1 Peter 1:16 — “Be holy, for I am holy.” Purity of heart affects purity of revelation. Defilement distorts discernment.
10. DON’T compromise for popularity or acceptance.
Jeremiah 6:14 — False prophets healed wounds superficially to gain favor. Speak truth even when it costs approval.
11. DO love the people you minister to.
1 Corinthians 13:2 — “If I have the gift of prophecy but have not love, I am nothing.” Love is the measure of prophetic maturity.
12. DON’T use prophecy to control or manipulate.
2 Corinthians 3:17 — “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” God’s voice brings freedom, not bondage.
13. DO prophesy to edify, exhort, and comfort.
1 Corinthians 14:3 — The purpose of prophecy is building up the Church. If it doesn’t build, strengthen, or console, it likely isn’t from God.
14. DON’T prophesy from offense or emotion.
James 1:20 — “The anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” Personal feelings can corrupt prophetic purity.
15. DO remain accountable to spiritual authority.
1 Corinthians 14:32 — “The spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.” Accountability guards against deception and pride.
16. DON’T operate independently.
Acts 13:1–3 — Prophets functioned within the local church. Isolation breeds error; community provides safety.
17. DO discern the timing of prophetic words.
Ecclesiastes 3:7 — “A time to keep silence, and a time to speak.” A true word in the wrong season can cause confusion.
18. DON’T rush to release every revelation.
Luke 2:19 — Mary “pondered these things in her heart.” Some revelations are for intercession, not proclamation.
19. DO judge prophecy by its fruit.
Matthew 7:20 — “By their fruits you will know them.” True prophecy leads to repentance, righteousness, and peace.
20. DON’T ignore the need for testing.
1 Thessalonians 5:20–21 — “Do not despise prophecies, but test all things.” Mature prophets welcome scrutiny.
21. DO submit your word for confirmation.
2 Corinthians 13:1 — “By the mouth of two or three witnesses every word shall be established.” Confirmation prevents premature or false declarations.
22. DON’T declare what you haven’t verified in prayer.
Habakkuk 2:1 — The prophet “watched to see what He would say.” Wait for divine clarity before speaking.
23. DO build character, not just charisma.
Galatians 5:22–23 — The fruit of the Spirit validates ministry. Character sustains what gifting cannot.
24. DON’T neglect studying the Word.
2 Timothy 2:15 — “Rightly divide the word of truth.” Prophetic insight must be anchored in sound doctrine.
25. DO keep your motives pure.
Psalm 24:4 — “He who has clean hands and a pure heart shall ascend the hill of the Lord.” Impure motives pollute spiritual perception.
26. DON’T prophesy for money or reward.
Micah 3:11 — Prophets who prophesied for pay angered God. The prophetic ministry is service, not business.
27. DO cultivate discernment.
Hebrews 5:14 — Mature believers discern good and evil. The prophetic gift requires sharp discernment of spirits and sources.
28. DON’T assume every dream or vision is divine.
Jeremiah 23:16 — False prophets spoke “visions of their own minds.” Discernment separates divine revelation from imagination.
29. DO maintain integrity in speech and lifestyle.
Proverbs 10:9 — “He who walks in integrity walks securely.” A corrupt life undermines prophetic credibility.
30. DON’T exaggerate revelations to impress.
Proverbs 30:6 — “Do not add to His words.” Embellishing revelation is lying in God’s name.
31. DO operate in love and patience when correcting.
2 Timothy 2:24–25 — Correct “in humility,” not harshness. Prophetic correction must reflect God’s mercy, not condemnation.
32. DON’T embarrass or publicly shame people unnecessarily.
Matthew 18:15 — Deal with issues privately first. Prophecy should restore, not humiliate.
33. DO learn to wait in silence before God.
Psalm 46:10 — “Be still, and know that I am God.” Quietness helps refine sensitivity to the Spirit.
34. DON’T speak when God is silent.
Amos 8:11 — There were seasons when God withheld words. Silence is better than speculation.
35. DO encourage others to hear God for themselves.
J o h n 1 0 : 2 7 — “ M y s h e e p h e a r M y v o i c e . ” Prophecy should equip believers, not replace their relationship with God.
36. DON’T create dependence on prophetic words.
Hebrews 8:10–11 — All will know God personally. Dependence on prophets undermines the New Covenant relationship.
37. DO honor other ministries.
1 Corinthians 12:21 — “The eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I have no need of you.’” Prophets must cooperate with pastors, teachers, and evangelists.
38. DON’T despise correction or discipline.
Proverbs 12:1 — “He who hates correction is stupid.” Teachability keeps prophets humble and growing.
39. DO nurture a servant’s heart.
Matthew 23:11 — “He who is greatest among you shall be your servant.” Prophets serve the Church, not rule over it.
40. DON’T seek mystical experiences above obedience.
Luke 10:20 — Rejoice that your name is written in heaven, not in power. Relationship and obedience matter more than supernatural experiences.
41. DO guard your mind and purity.
Philippians 4:8 — “Think on things that are pure…” Impurity clouds spiritual perception and invites deception.
42. DON’T use prophecy to expose without redemptive purpose.
Galatians 6:1 — Restore in a spirit of gentleness. Revelation must heal, not humiliate.
43. DO develop discernment in interpreting symbols and dreams.
Genesis 41:16 — Joseph said, “God will give Pharaoh an answer of peace.” Interpretation belongs to God; avoid guessing.
4 4 . D O N ‘ T d e p e n d o n h u m a n w i s d o m f o r interpretation.
2 Peter 1:21 — “Prophecy never came by the will of man.” Lean on the Holy Spirit for meaning and timing.
45. DO remember prophecy points to Jesus.
Revelation 19:10 — “The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” Every genuine word should reveal Christ’s nature and glory.
46. DON’T glorify yourself or your gift.
1 Corinthians 1:31 — “Let him who glories, glory in the Lord.” The vessel is nothing; the message is everything.
47. DO walk in faith, not fear.
2 Timothy 1:7 — God gave a spirit of power, love, and sound mind. Fear hinders prophetic clarity; faith opens the flow of revelation.
48. DON’T let failure or rejection silence your calling.
Jeremiah 20:9 — God’s word burned in Jeremiah’s heart despite opposition. Stay faithful even when misunderstood.
49. DO continually grow in wisdom and maturity.
Luke 2:52 — “Jesus increased in wisdom and stature.” Prophets must grow intellectually, spiritually, and emotionally.
50. DON’T neglect to give God all the glory.
Isaiah 42:8 — “My glory I will not give to another.” Every prophecy fulfilled should lead to worship, not self- exaltation.
Conclusion:
The prophetic ministry is not about prestige but partnership with the Holy Spirit to reveal the heart of God to His people and the world. A true prophet is marked not only by revelation but by humility, love, obedience, and submission to Scripture.
When these principles are followed, prophetic ministry becomes safe, edifying, and Christ-exalting, just exactly as God intended.
