For the narrow way is not altogether too straight, but only a very few travel in it.
Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep"s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits.
Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
Beware of Prophets who come to you with the Word of G.o.d; you may know at once they are false, without hearing them or examining their fruits; popular opinion is against them; whereas, if they were men of G.o.d, the people would speak well of them.
Wherefore, by their fruits ye shall know them. Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father who is in heaven.
If we are only sure that we have experienced religion, and we pray often, we shall be saved, whether we do the Lord"s will or not; for it mattereth not what system we embrace, whether it be right or wrong, if we are only sincere.
And it came to pa.s.s, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at His doctrine: for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.
And it came to pa.s.s, when men had ended these sayings, the people were pleased with their doctrines, for they taught them not as men having authority, but as the scribes.