²⁴ Then he added, “Pay close attention to what you hear. The closer you listen, the more understanding you will be given^[a]—and you will receive even more.

A Warning against Drifting Away

2 So we must listen very carefully to the truth we have heard, or we may drift away from it.

¹⁸ “So pay attention to how you hear. To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given. But for those who are not listening, even what they think they understand will be taken away from them.”

⁶ Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop.

¹¹ And the people of Berea were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul’s message. They searched the Scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth.

²⁷ My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.

² For you will be treated as you treat others.^[a] The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged.^[b]

The Danger of False Teachers

2 But there were also false prophets in Israel, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will cleverly teach destructive heresies and even deny the Master who bought them. In this way, they will bring sudden destruction on themselves. ² Many will follow their evil teaching and shameful immorality. And because of these teachers, the way of truth will be slandered. ³ In their greed they will make up clever lies to get hold of your money. But God condemned them long ago, and their destruction will not be delayed.