Matthew 7:13–23

The Narrow Gate

¹³“Enter through the narrow gate, for the gate is wide and the road is easy^h that leads to destruction, and there are many who take it.^{* 14}For the gate is narrow and the road is hard that leads to life, and there are few who find it.

A Tree and Its Fruit

¹⁵“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.^{* 16}You will know them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorns or figs from thistles?^{* 17}In the same way, every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. ¹⁸A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. ¹⁹Every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.^{* 20}Thus you will know them by their fruits.

Concerning Self-Deception

²¹“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.^{* 22}On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’^{* 23}Then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; go away from me, you who behave lawlessly.’^*