Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing

Not every threat comes snarling. Some threats come smiling—disarming, charismatic, even “godly.” That’s what makes a wolf in sheep’s clothing so dangerous. They look the part. They speak the language. They blend in with the flock. But beneath the surface, their intentions are predatory.

Jesus warned us about them clearly: “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves” (Matthew 7:15). This wasn’t just about ancient Pharisees or future deceivers—it’s a warning for today. And too many of us have learned it the hard way.

Maybe you trusted someone because they quoted Scripture, volunteered at church, or said all the right things. But behind closed doors, their words cut, their actions confused, and their presence drained the life out of you. When you tried to speak up, you were told to forgive, submit, and pray harder.

So, how can you spot a wolf before they tear your world apart?

How to Identify a Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing

1. Charm Over Character

Wolves often rely on charisma. They know how to win people with smiles, compliments, and surface-level spirituality. But charm is not character. Character is who someone is when no one is watching. A wolf may appear loving in public but be controlling, cruel, or passive-aggressive in private.

2. Control Disguised as Care

They might frame their control as “protection” or “concern,” but healthy love empowers—it doesn’t confine. If someone monitors your movements, isolates you from others, or constantly needs to know where you are, that’s not love. That’s fear wearing a mask.

3. Lack of Accountability

Wolves rarely admit when they’re wrong. They shift blame, twist the narrative, or accuse you of being too sensitive, emotional, or unforgiving. They’re skilled at turning the tables—especially when caught.

4. Two-Faced Living

One of the most evident signs of a wolf is the duplicity between who they are publicly and privately. If someone is praised by others but your experience is filled with confusion, fear, and pain—listen to that tension. You’re not crazy. You’re likely seeing the truth behind the mask.

5. They Weaponize Scripture

They use the Bible not to bring healing or accountability but to control and silence. Verses about submission, forgiveness, or unity are used to keep victims in abusive situations. But Jesus never used Scripture to silence the oppressed—only to confront the oppressors.

How to Expose a Wolf

1. Speak the Truth—Even if Your Voice Shakes

Wolves thrive in silence. They rely on your fear and shame to keep their secrets safe. But the truth is light. You don’t owe the world your entire story, but you can tell the truth about your experiences. God is not honoured by your silence if it protects a lie.

2. Let Their Fruit Speak

Jesus said we would know them by their fruit (Matthew 7:16). That means the truth reveals itself over time. Is there peace around them or chaos? Healing or harm? Real love bears good fruit—wolves leave destruction in their wake.

3. Document Everything

In cases of emotional, financial, physical, sexual, or spiritual abuse, keep records. Save messages, journal patterns, and speak to someone who understands abuse dynamics. You don’t need evidence to know what happened to you—but having it may help others understand and protect themselves.

4. Don’t Expect Support from Everyone

Many people will be fooled by the sheep costume. Don’t let their disbelief cause you to question your reality. Even Jesus was betrayed by someone who sat at His table. You don’t need universal validation to walk in truth.

How to Protect Yourself

1. Pray for Discernment

Discernment is a spiritual gift, and we need it more than ever. Ask God to reveal hidden motives, to guard your heart, and to show you what is real. Not everything that glitters is gold—and not everyone who says “Lord, Lord” knows Him (Matthew 7:21).

2. Set Boundaries Without Guilt

Boundaries are not unloving—they are necessary. Jesus walked away from certain crowds, confronted sin directly, and didn’t entrust Himself to those with wrong motives (John 2:24). You are allowed to say no, step back, and protect your peace.

3. Surround Yourself With Truth-Tellers

You need people who love you enough to tell you the truth—even when it’s hard—and who believe you when you speak the truth. Healing starts in safe spaces. If someone consistently gaslights you or makes you feel crazy, that’s not a safe space.

4. Trust the Holy Spirit

The Spirit will lead you into all truth (John 16:13). Even if others are deceived, even if you’ve been silenced before, God sees it all. He knows the heart, and He is not mocked. Everything hidden will be brought into the light (Luke 8:17).

You’re Not Alone

If you’ve survived a wolf in sheep’s clothing, you know the unique pain of spiritual betrayal. It cuts differently. But you’re not alone, and you’re not without hope. Jesus sees, believes you, and will restore what the enemy tried to steal.

Don’t let someone’s mask convince you that your pain isn’t real. Don’t let the performance of goodness drown out the voice of discernment God placed within you.

You are not crazy, you are not alone, and you are not without power.

Expose the darkness. Walk in the light. And never forget—real sheep don’t bite.