In a passionate and sobering message, Perry Stone urged believers to take to heart the biblical warning: “Beware of the dogs.”
Drawing from Philippians 3 and Revelation 22, he explains that the term “dogs” is not referring to household pets but to individuals who, through their words and actions, are destructive, divisive and spiritually dangerous.
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“Beware of dogs. Beware of evil workers,” he says, quoting Philippians. He emphasizes that these “dogs” symbolize people with unclean spirits—those who attack others with their words and stir up strife, often under the guise of righteousness. Stone clarifies, “I’m not talking about beware of your pet… I’m talking about people who are vicious with the words of their mouth.”
Throughout Scripture, dogs are used figuratively. Jesus once told a Gentile woman, “I cannot give the children’s bread to the dogs,” using the term as a cultural reference to the uncircumcised and those outside the covenant. Stone notes, “It was a degrading term for Gentiles.” Yet, even then, the woman’s humble reply moved Jesus: “Even the dogs want the crumbs from the master’s table.”
Beyond cultural context, dogs also symbolize spiritual impurity. “The Bible talks about the pig returning to the mire and the dog returning to its vomit,” he explains, warning that some who claim to follow Christ still harbor viciousness in their hearts.
Social media becomes another battleground, as Stone cautions against following “people who are absolutely fruitless… who are not helping anyone to get healed of their wounds.” He highlights the danger of those who “lie in hypocrisy”—people who repeat harmful things without verifying truth, motivated by a desire to damage reputations.
In a vivid illustration, Stone recalls a mangy dog barking furiously at a train, trying to stop it with noise and aggression. “Does that dog barking actually think he can stop the momentum of an iron beast called a train?” The metaphor is clear: critics may bark, but they can’t stop God’s plan.
His final encouragement echoes with bold faith: “Let the dogs bark, but let the train roll on.” In other words, don’t be deterred by gossip, slander or opposition—God’s purpose will prevail.
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In a time when criticism, slander and spiritual compromise run rampant—even within the church—Perry Stone’s message is a wake-up call to stay focused, stay pure and stay the course. The noise of opposition may grow louder, but it holds no power over the momentum of a life anchored in God’s purpose.
Abby Trivett is content development editor for Charisma Media.
Perhaps someday Charima will inform its readers as to what to do in the face of real acts of wrongdoing by clergy, so that they can respond in a Godly way.