1 John 4:5
“They are of the world. Therefore they speak of the world, and the world hears them.”
What does 1 John 4:5 mean?
John is describing people whose values and thinking come entirely from worldly systems, rather than from connection to God. Because their perspective is shaped by what the world prizes (money, power, status, comfort, acceptance), the message they spread naturally appeals to those same desires in others. The encouragement here is subtle but real: if you find yourself drawn to voices that make you feel uncomfortable about your faith, or that constantly validate what you already want to believe, it might be worth asking where those voices are actually coming from. At the same time, this isn't meant to make you suspicious of everyone around you, but rather to help you notice what spirit is animating the messages you're hearing.