מיכה, פרק ג׳, פסוק ה׳

God delivers a sharp critique against corrupt spiritual leaders who exploit their influence for personal gain. These false prophets turn the divine message into a commercial transaction, tailoring their words to match the material rewards they receive. By doing so, they lead the people astray and push them away from the path of goodness [מצודת דוד, מצודת ציון, שטיינזלץ, מלבי״ם].

The primary approach among commentators understands the prophets' behavior in a literal, physical sense. When the people feed these leaders rich meat and fine foods to bite into, the prophets reward them with positive messages and promises of peace [רש״י, מצודת דוד, אברבנאל]. Essentially, the moment they are given food, their mouths are closed from speaking any evil against the giver [מלבי״ם]. Conversely, another perspective views this biting as a metaphor for the destruction hidden within their words. According to this view, the prophets use smooth language and promise peace to calm the masses, but their lies actually harm the Israelites, much like the kisses of an enemy masking malicious intentions [רד״ק, אבן עזרא].

The hypocrisy of these false prophets is fully exposed when they are denied. If a person refuses to support them, meet their demands, or put food in their mouths, they immediately face the prophets' wrath. The corrupt leaders gather and prepare to attack [רש״י, מצודת ציון]. They gang up on the individual, slander them, and predict war, ruin, and destruction for them [רד״ק, שטיינזלץ, אברבנאל]. This behavior proves their absolute falsehood. Their prophecies are not based on any spiritual truth, but simply change depending on the amount of food and favors they extract from others [אברבנאל].