Hearing voices can be a confusing and sometimes even frightening experience.
Some people claim to hear the voice of God speaking to them.
Others struggle with voices that bring fear, doubt, or even deception.
Throughout history, many have wondered whether the voices they hear come from God, their own thoughts, or something else entirely.
The Bible provides insight into this question, offering wisdom about how God speaks, how to discern His voice, and how to recognize false voices.
Understanding what Scripture says about hearing voices can help believers navigate these experiences with clarity and faith.
God Speaks to His People
The Bible is filled with examples of God speaking to His people in different ways.
In the Old Testament, God spoke directly to individuals, such as when He called out to Abraham in Genesis 12:1, giving him a clear command to leave his homeland and follow God’s plan.
Moses encountered the voice of God in the burning bush in Exodus 3:4, when God called his name and gave him instructions to lead the Israelites out of Egypt.
The prophets also heard from God, receiving His messages to share with His people.
Jeremiah 1:9 describes how God put His words into Jeremiah’s mouth, confirming that He speaks through those He calls.
These examples show that God is not silent.
He speaks with purpose, giving guidance, warnings, encouragement, and revelation to His people.
Jesus: The Voice of God in Human Form
In the New Testament, God spoke through Jesus Christ.
John 1:1 calls Jesus “the Word,” meaning that He was the living expression of God’s message to the world.
People did not have to wonder what God’s voice sounded like because Jesus Himself was speaking to them.
Jesus made it clear that His followers would recognize His voice.
John 10:27 says, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”
This means that believers can hear and recognize Jesus’ voice when He speaks to them.
While we may not hear Him audibly, His voice is still present today through Scripture, the Holy Spirit, and the guidance He provides.
Jesus’ words always lead to truth, peace, and righteousness, never confusion or fear.
The Holy Spirit Guides and Speaks
After Jesus ascended to heaven, God continued to communicate through the Holy Spirit.
John 14:26 says, “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”
The Holy Spirit speaks to believers by reminding them of God’s truth, convicting them of sin, and leading them in the right direction.
Many people experience this as an inner prompting, a strong sense of peace, or a deep impression on their hearts.
The Holy Spirit never contradicts God’s Word.
Any voice that leads away from biblical truth is not from God.
This is why it is essential to test every voice and compare it to Scripture.
Can People Still Hear God’s Voice Today?
Some people believe that God no longer speaks to individuals, while others claim to hear His voice regularly.
The Bible does not say that God has stopped speaking.
Hebrews 13:8 reminds us that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”
However, the way God speaks today may be different from how He spoke in biblical times.
Instead of hearing an audible voice, most believers experience God’s guidance through Scripture, prayer, and the Holy Spirit.
Second Timothy 3:16-17 teaches that “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.”
The Bible remains God’s primary way of speaking to His people.
If someone claims to hear God’s voice, but the message contradicts Scripture, it is not from Him.
God will never speak in a way that goes against His Word.
The Danger of False Voices
Not all voices are from God.
The Bible warns about false prophets, deceiving spirits, and the enemy’s attempts to mislead people.
Second Corinthians 11:14 says, “Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.”
This means that not every spiritual experience is from God.
First John 4:1 advises, “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”
One way to test if a voice is from God is to ask whether it aligns with Scripture.
God will never contradict His own Word.
Another test is to examine the fruit of the message.
Does it bring peace or confusion?
Does it lead to righteousness or sin?
Does it reflect God’s love and wisdom?
God’s voice brings clarity, not chaos.
If a voice causes fear, doubt, or leads away from truth, it should be rejected.
Hearing Voices That Cause Fear or Confusion
Some people hear voices that create fear, anxiety, or deception.
The Bible warns about this as well.
Second Timothy 1:7 says, “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.”
God’s voice does not bring fear.
If someone hears voices that are destructive or lead them into darkness, they should seek help through prayer, Scripture, and wise counsel.
James 4:7 says, “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
God gives believers authority over fear and deception.
By turning to Him, praying for protection, and filling their minds with His truth, they can overcome voices that seek to harm them.
How to Discern God’s Voice
Jesus said in John 10:4, “His sheep follow him because they know his voice.”
Knowing God’s voice requires spending time in His Word, praying, and seeking Him daily.
When trying to discern whether a voice is from God, the first step is to compare it to Scripture.
God never speaks in a way that contradicts the Bible.
If the message does not align with biblical truth, it is not from Him.
The second step is to pray for wisdom.
James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
God promises to give wisdom to those who seek Him.
The third step is to seek confirmation.
Proverbs 11:14 says, “For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers.”
Talking to mature believers or spiritual mentors can help confirm whether what someone hears is truly from God.
The fourth step is to examine the fruit of the message.
Matthew 7:16 says, “By their fruit you will recognize them.”
If the message leads to peace, righteousness, and love, it is likely from God.
If it causes fear, sin, or confusion, it is not.
Trusting God Even in Silence
Sometimes, people desperately want to hear God’s voice but feel that He is silent.
This can be frustrating, but the Bible reminds us to trust His timing.
Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still, and know that I am God.”
God does not always speak in dramatic ways.
Sometimes, He speaks through a quiet whisper, a passage of Scripture, or the circumstances of life.
When it seems like God is silent, believers are encouraged to keep seeking Him, knowing that He will reveal His truth in His perfect time.
Final Thoughts
The Bible shows that hearing voices is a real experience, but not all voices are from God.
God speaks in many ways, but His message is always consistent with Scripture, full of wisdom, and leads to peace.
False voices exist, but by testing what is heard against God’s Word, seeking wise counsel, and praying for discernment, believers can recognize the truth.
If you are unsure about a voice you are hearing, bring it before God in prayer.
Ask Him to make His truth clear and to silence anything that is not from Him.
God is not a God of confusion—He desires to lead His people with love, truth, and peace.
The key is staying close to Him, listening with an open heart, and trusting in His guidance every step of the way.