BEWARE OF FALSE PROPHETS
Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing,
but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest;
to whom the mist of darkness is reserved forever.
They bind heavy burdens, grievous to bear, and lay them on men's shoulders;
but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.
But all their works they do to be seen by men.
They love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats at assemblies,
and greetings in the markets,
and to be called by men, "Sir", "Master", "Teacher".
But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.
And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased.
And he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.
But Woe unto them, hypocrites!
For they shut up the kingdom of heaven against men.
For they neither go in themselves,
nor do they allow those who are entering to go in.
Woe unto them, hypocrites!
For they devour widows' houses,
and for a pretense make long prayer.
Woe unto them, hypocrites!
For they have omitted the weightier matters of the law:
judgment, mercy, and faith.
Blind guides, which strain at a gnat,
and swallow a camel.
Woe unto them, hypocrites!
For within they are full of extortion and excess.
Woe unto them, hypocrites!
For they are like whitewashed tombs,
which indeed appear beautiful outwardly,
but within are full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness.
Even so they also outwardly appear righteous to men,
but within they are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.
Paraphrase Matthew 7:15; 2 Peter 2:17; Matthew 23:4-7; Matthew 23:11-28
