“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.” Matthew 7:15-20 NIV
In Matthew 7, Jesus warns us about false prophets who come in sheep’s clothing but are actually ferocious wolves. We can discern them by their fruit, just like how we discern people in general. Before this passage, Jesus also warns us not to give what is sacred to dogs and not to throw pearls before swine in Matthew 7:6.
We have a mission to preach the Gospel, but not everyone will receive it. The gate to life is narrow and only a few will find it. We must discern the people we spend time with and avoid false teachers. We can do this by looking at their fruit, which means observing their life and words. In addition, we must be careful not to give what is sacred to those who do not value it, and avoid throwing pearls before swine.
By discerning false teachers and avoiding pearls before swine, we can ensure that we are sharing the Gospel with those who are truly open to receiving it. Let us be mindful of the company we keep and the teachings we follow.
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