Prophets are given the undesirable commission to point out to their fellow mortals the wrong they are doing, in order to dissuade them from their chosen path.  The truth-telling friends may see themselves in that role, but is most likely wrong about that.  For one thing, prophets are called to speak God’s truth, not their own.

You Shall Warn Them for Me

Speaking God’s truth requires a degree in discernment often earned in the school of the desert, after long fasting and prayer.  Anyone who hasn’t personally suffered for the sake of this truth, probably doesn’t qualify for the job.

Prophets dare to speak God’s truth directly to the person involved in wrongdoing.  As far as Scripture reveals, no one has yet been called to tell the truth about others behind their backs, or for the benefit of large audiences.  Not only do prophets deliver their message directly, but they begin by doing so privately:  one-on-one with the offender in question.  This gives wrongdoers the freedom to choose the way of repentance without shaming them out of the chance to embrace the truth.

Prophets are motivated by two things:  love and responsibility.  The love is for God, the truth itself, and for the one whose soul is in jeopardy.  The responsibility part is a little more complicated.  As Ezekiel understands it, God holds the prophet personally accountable for the word he receives.  If Ezekiel fails to warn the sinner, he himself is put on notice when that sinner is subsequently lost.

Prepare the Word  +  Lloyd Baugh, S.J.