¹⁶ This is what the Lord Almighty says:

²⁵ “I have heard what the prophets say who prophesy lies^(A) in my name. They say, ‘I had a dream!^(B) I had a dream!’ ²⁶ How long will this continue in the hearts of these lying prophets, who prophesy the delusions^(C) of their own minds?^(D)

³⁰ “Therefore,” declares the Lord, “I am against^(A) the prophets^(B) who steal from one another words supposedly from me. ³¹ Yes,” declares the Lord, “I am against the prophets who wag their own tongues and yet declare, ‘The Lord declares.’^{(C) 32} Indeed, I am against those who prophesy false dreams,^(D)” declares the Lord. “They tell them and lead my people astray^(E) with their reckless lies,^(F) yet I did not send^(G) or appoint them. They do not benefit^(H) these people in the least,” declares the Lord.

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.

⁴ Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one deceives you.^(A)

⁹ “Then you will be handed over to be persecuted^(A) and put to death,^(B) and you will be hated by all nations because of me.^{(C) 10} At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, ¹¹ and many false prophets^(D) will appear and deceive many people.^{(E) 12} Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, ¹³ but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.^{(F) 14} And this gospel of the kingdom^(G) will be preached in the whole world^(H) as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.

²³ At that time if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Messiah!’ or, ‘There he is!’ do not believe it.^{(A) 24} For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders^(B) to deceive, if possible, even the elect. ²⁵ See, I have told you ahead of time.

²⁶ “So if anyone tells you, ‘There he is, out in the wilderness,’ do not go out; or, ‘Here he is, in the inner rooms,’ do not believe it. ²⁷ For as lightning^(C) that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming^(D) of the Son of Man.^(E)