"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits." (Matt. 7:15-16)

Some time back my wife and I were having lunch at our favorite restaurant. My wife ordered a cup of bean soup. I ordered the same; but, supposedly, the larger portion. After our soup was served, I said, "I think we have the same amount of soup." After we had finished, I filled her cup with water and poured it into my bowl. They were exactly the same, but my bowl cost almost twice as much as her's. The shape of the containers made one appear larger than the other. The eyes can be easily deceived.

While this may have been irritating, it had no real effect on us. The difference between 8 ounces and 12 ounces is not life-changing. Far more serious is the deception perpetrated by the spiritual charlatans that abound among us. (From Ralph Joiner)

Col. 2:8 says, "Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ."