The Message Bible MSG
New International Version NIV
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.
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“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.
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.
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By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?
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Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.
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A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit.
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Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
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Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.
Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide.