¹⁴ Then the Lord said to me, “The prophets are prophesying lies^(A) in my name. I have not sent^(B) them or appointed them or spoken to them. They are prophesying to you false visions,^(C) divinations,^(D) idolatries^[a] and the delusions of their own minds.

Judging Others^(A)

7 “Do not judge, or you too will be judged.^(B)

⁶ “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.

Ask, Seek, Knock^(A)

⁷ “Ask and it will be given to you;^(B) seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. ⁸ For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds;^(C) and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

True and False Prophets

¹⁵ “Watch out for false prophets.^(A) They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.^{(B) 16} By their fruit you will recognize them.^(C) Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?^{(D) 17} Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. ¹⁸ A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit.^{(E) 19} Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.^{(F) 20} Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.

²³ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’^(A)

² As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires,^(A) but rather for the will of God. ³ For you have spent enough time in the past^(B) doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry.^{(C) 4} They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you.^(D)

¹³ I can do all this through him who gives me strength.^(A)