A prophet in biblical times was not a soothsayer, but more someone who could tell future occurrences based on current events
Not to much different to people would speculate the complete crash of the western economy in the next decade. They're don't have crystal balls but they know about economics and the outcome of the US only have 1% of the total amount of its debt in gold reserves
In an effort to find out what the future holds, humans have experimented with all kinds of things . . .
Social scientists called futurologists analyze current trends and make their forecasts on the basis of these . . .
Economists do likewise in their own field. . .
Astrologers and diviners look to horoscopes, crystal balls, and the occult, and they have a huge following.
"Is Astrology the Key to Your Future?"
- What Is Astrology?
- A Long History of Failure
- In Conflict With Bible Teachings
http://watchtower.org/e/20050808/article_01.htm
French astrologer Nostradamus is one example of these, & continues to be popular, though he has been dead for centuries.
All such would-be prophets have proved most unreliable and disappointing . . .
Because they ignore our Creator, & his Word,
they fail to answer basic questions such as :
‘Why can I be sure that the things foretold in the Bible are going to happen?
How do they fit into God’s purpose for humans?
How can my family and I benefit from these prophecies?’ *
The Bible answers these questions:
Why You Can Trust Bible Prophecy
http://watchtower.org/e/19990715/article_01.htm
God’s Purpose for the Earth [& Mankind]
http://watchtower.org/e/20060515/article_02.htm
The Bible--A Textbook for Living
- A Book That Gives Purpose
- Adding Stability to a Troubled Life
- Help in Overcoming Emotional Problems
- Practical Counsel of Family Life
- Counsel That Endures!
http://watchtower.org/e/20001201/article_02.htm
Bible prophecy is also superior in many other ways.
Unlike astrological predictions, it allows for personal free will.
Hence, nobody is a victim of fate. (Deuteronomy 30:19)
What Controls Your Future?
- Can You Control Your Destiny?
http://watchtower.org/e/20050115/article_01.htm
Writings such as those of Nostradamus are morally void, and cover this void with mystery and sensationalism.
But Bible prophecy has a firm moral basis.
It explains why God is going to do as he has purposed. (2 Chronicles 36:15)
And Jehovah’s prophecies never fail, for “God . . . cannot lie.” (Titus 1:2)
Thus, individuals guided by God’s Word live enlightened, purposeful, and happy lives without squandering their precious time and resources on futile pursuits.—Psalm 25:12, 13.
The Bible: To Trust or Not to Trust A Unique Book
http://watchtower.org/e/200711/article_01.htm
Why You Can Trust the Bible :
- Does It Contradict Itself? {No.)
- History and Science
- Foretelling the Future
http://watchtower.org/e/t13/article_01.htm
Miracles--Fact or Fiction?
- Miracles That You Have Seen!
http://watchtower.org/e/20050215/article_01.htm
Does the Bible Have a Hidden Code? {No.)
http://watchtower.org/e/20000401a/article_01.htm
Why Look to the Bible for Guidance?
- A Book of Truth
- Accurate and Practical
- Have You Wondered ... ?
http://watchtower.org/e/200601b/article_01.htm
.
2Pe 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake [as they were] moved by the Holy Ghost.
2Ti 3:16 All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
anyone who tells you they know, they just know what happens when you die, I promise you, you don't. How can I be so sure? Because I don't know, and you do not possess mental powers that I do not.
simple facts: humans are not capable of predicting the future. Humans do not know what happens when we die, or why we are created.