Take Heed (προσέχω)
"Take heed"—προσέχω (proséchō)—is derived from the verb ἔχω (“to have, hold”), with the prefixed preposition πρός (“to, toward”). It expresses the idea of “holding toward”; thus, it conveys the sense of taking heed, paying attention, or being cautious.
In Matthew 6:1, Jesus states—within what is now commonly known as the Sermon on the Mount—that the Jews in His kingdom are to take heed not to perform their alms before men (Matthew 6:1). Alms are acts of mercy shown toward the fatherless, widows, and the poor of the land. If they give their alms in such a way as to display them before others, they will receive no reward from their Father.
The Jews are also to take heed concerning false prophets. These individuals are not as they appear, but are, in fact, ravenous wolves. Through the Mosaic Law, Israel was given specific instructions for identifying and responding to false prophets and to those who sought to lead them after other gods. During the tribulation, they will encounter many false prophets who seek to devour their goods. These men will be known by their fruits, for they will present themselves as devout Jews (Matthew 7:15).
On His way to Jerusalem, Jesus sent out twelve men to proclaim the gospel of the Kingdom of the Heavens, warning them to take heed of men (Matthew 10:17). They were instructed to go only to the household of Israel—not to the way of the Gentiles or to any city of the Samaritans (Matthew 10:5–6). Jesus gave them authority over unclean spirits and instructed them to heal the sick, cleanse lepers, and raise the dead, as they declared that the Kingdom was at hand. They were not to take any provisions with them; rather, as they entered a city, they were to seek out those who were worthy to provide for their needs (Matthew 10:7–16). They were to be as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore, He warned them to take heed of men, for they would be delivered up to councils and scourged in their synagogues.
The disciples are to take heed concerning the doctrine of the Pharisees and Sadducees (Matthew 16:6). These groups taught what they did not practice, laying heavy burdens upon the people (Luke 12:1). Both John the Baptist and Jesus called them vipers. They used their traditions to justify violating the Law. This warning also includes the scribes, who desired to walk about in long robes, loved greetings in the marketplaces, and sought the best seats in the synagogues and places of honor at feasts—while devouring widows’ houses and, for a pretense, making long prayers (Luke 20:46–47).
Paul encourages the pastors of Ephesus to take heed to themselves and to all the flock, for many savage wolves would come in among them, not sparing the flock (Acts 20:28). These are false teachers who speak perverse things, drawing away disciples after themselves, just as some among them will desire to do (Acts 20:29). In 1 Timothy 1:4, Paul instructs Timothy, as a pastor to the assembly in Ephesus, to charge certain individuals not to give heed to fables and endless genealogies, nor to teach a different doctrine. The purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith, from which some had strayed, turning aside to idle talk. Desiring to be teachers of the Law, they understood neither what they said nor the things which they affirmed (1 Timothy 1:5–7).
Paul warns the grace believers in Jerusalem to take heed to the things they have heard, lest they drift away. For if the word spoken through messenger proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward, how shall they escape if they neglect so great a salvation? (Hebrews 2:1–3).
We of the Church are to take heed to the confirmed prophetic word, as a light that shines in a dark place, knowing first that no prophecy of Scripture is of one’s own private interpretation. For prophecy did not come by the desirous will of man, but set apart men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:19–21).