Read Jeremiah 28:1-17

 

   Jeremiah spoke the truth, but it was unpopular; Hananiah spoke lies, but his deceitful words brought false hope and comfort to the people. God had already outlined the marks of a true prophet (Deuteronomy 13 and 18): A true prophet’s predictions always come true, and his words never contradict previous revelation. Jeremiah’s predictions were already coming true, from Hananiah’s death to the Babylonian invasions. But, as even still to day, the people still preferred to listen to comforting lies rather than painful truth.