15 "Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.
15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
15 "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.
15 "Be wary of false preachers who smile a lot, dripping with practiced sincerity. Chances are they are out to rip you off some way or other. Don't be impressed with charisma; look for character.
15 "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.
15 "Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves.
16 By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?
16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
16 You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?
16 Who preachers are is the main thing, not what they say. A genuine leader will never exploit your emotions or your pocketbook. These diseased trees with their bad apples are going to be chopped down and burned.
16 You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles?
16 You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act. Can you pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?
(Read Matthew 7:15-20)
Nothing so much prevents men from entering the strait gate, and becoming true followers of Christ, as the carnal, soothing, flattering doctrines of those who oppose the truth. They may be known by the drift and effects of their doctrines. Some part of their temper and conduct is contrary to the mind of Christ. Those opinions come not from God that lead to sin.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Matthew 7:15
Commentary on Matthew 7:15-20
(Read Matthew 7:15-20)
Nothing so much prevents men from entering the strait gate, and becoming true followers of Christ, as the carnal, soothing, flattering doctrines of those who oppose the truth. They may be known by the drift and effects of their doctrines. Some part of their temper and conduct is contrary to the mind of Christ. Those opinions come not from God that lead to sin.