Matthew 7 summary meaning ai explained commentary

Matthew 7 meaning explained in AI Summary

The Sermon on the Mount (Conclusion) and Warnings

Jesus concludes the Sermon on the Mount with teachings on judging others, the golden rule, the narrow gate, and building on the rock or sand.
He warns about false prophets and the importance of obedience to His teachings.

This chapter focuses on judgement, discernment, and prayer, continuing Jesus' Sermon on the Mount.

Key Teachings:

Don't Judge Hypocritically (7:1-6): Jesus warns against judging others while ignoring our own flaws. We should focus on removing the "log" from our own eye before addressing the "speck" in another's.
Ask, Seek, Knock (7:7-12): Jesus encourages persistent prayer, assuring us that God desires to give good gifts to those who ask. He uses the analogy of a father giving good things to his children.
The Narrow and Wide Gates (7:13-14): Jesus presents two paths: a narrow gate leading to life (difficult but rewarding) and a wide gate leading to destruction (easy but ultimately devastating).
Beware of False Prophets (7:15-23): Jesus warns against being deceived by false teachers, emphasizing that true disciples are recognized by their fruits (actions and character).
The Wise and Foolish Builders (7:24-29): Jesus concludes with a parable comparing those who hear and obey his teachings (wise builders on a rock) to those who hear but don't obey (foolish builders on sand). Only obedience to Jesus' words can withstand life's storms.

Overall Message:

Chapter 7 calls for self-reflection, persistent prayer, discernment, and obedience. It emphasizes the importance of living out Jesus' teachings, not just hearing them, to build a strong foundation for life.

Matthew 7 bible study ai commentary

Matthew 7 concludes the Sermon on the Mount, moving from the internal righteousness and devotional life (Ch 5-6) to practical application in relationships and a final, urgent call to decision. The chapter starkly presents a series of choices: how to judge, how to pray, which gate to enter, which teacher to trust, and on what foundation to build one's life. It culminates with a clear declaration that true discipleship is not marked by profession, or even powerful acts, but by a life of active, obedient love, rooted in a personal relationship with Christ and adherence to his authoritative teaching.

Matthew 7 context

The Sermon on the Mount (Mat 5-7) is Jesus' foundational teaching for his disciples, presenting the ethics and righteousness of the Kingdom of Heaven. Delivered to a primarily Jewish audience familiar with the Law and rabbinic interpretations, this final chapter serves as a powerful conclusion. It contrasts the superficial, external righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees with a deep, internal obedience that produces tangible fruit. The cultural context includes common rabbinic teaching methods like hyperbole (log in the eye) and wisdom parables (two builders), which Jesus uses to present his message with unparalleled authority.

Matthew 7:1-2

“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you."

In-depth-analysis

Word: The Greek word krinō ("judge") carries a range of meanings from "discern" to "condemn." Here, the context points toward a hypocritical, condemnatory, self-righteous judgment, not a complete suspension of moral discernment (which verses 6 and 15-20 require).
This is not a command for moral relativism or indifference to sin. It is a prohibition against usurping God's role as the final judge and setting oneself up as the superior standard.
The principle is one of divine reciprocity. The standard by which you condemn others becomes the standard God applies to you. This forces introspection before criticism.

Bible references

Luke 6:37: "Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned..." (Direct parallel).
Romans 2:1: "Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself..." (Same principle of hypocritical judgment).
James 4:11-12: "Do not speak evil against one another... Who are you to judge your neighbor?" (Highlights that God is the one Lawgiver and Judge).

Cross references

1 Cor 4:5 (do not judge before the time), Rom 14:10-13 (do not judge a brother in matters of conscience), Col 2:16 (do not let anyone judge you).

Matthew 7:3-5

“Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye.”

In-depth-analysis

This uses powerful, almost comical, hyperbole to illustrate the absurdity of hypocritical judgment.
Word: karphos (speck, twig, chaff) vs. dokos (log, wooden beam). The contrast highlights a person who focuses on a minor fault in another while being blinded by a massive personal sin.
The goal is not just to stop judging, but to become a person who can genuinely help. The process is: 1) Self-examination and repentance ("take the log out"), 2) Gaining clear vision, and 3) Restoring a brother gently and helpfully.
The accusation "Hypocrite!" is sharp, tying this directly to the false piety Jesus condemned in the Pharisees.

Bible references

Galatians 6:1: "...you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted." (Shows the proper method of restoration after self-examination).
Psalm 139:23-24: "Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me..." (The necessary first step of self-evaluation).
John 8:7: "...'Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.'" (Illustrates the principle of removing one's own 'log' before condemning).

Cross references

Rom 2:21 (you who teach others, do you not teach yourself?), Psa 51:12-13 (first be restored, then teach transgressors).

Matthew 7:6

“Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.”

In-depth-analysis

This verse provides the crucial balance to "Judge not." It commands discernment.
"Dogs" and "pigs" were unclean animals to the Jews and represent people who are viciously hostile, completely unholy, or defiantly unreceptive to the Gospel ("what is sacred," "your pearls").
The "pearls" symbolize the profound value of the Kingdom's truths.
It's a principle of spiritual stewardship. The gospel is not to be cheapened or forced upon those who will only show contempt for it and harm the messenger. There is a time to speak and a time to be silent and move on.

Bible references

Proverbs 23:9: "Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, for he will despise the wisdom of your words." (Old Testament wisdom parallel).
Matthew 10:14: "And if anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet when you leave that house or town." (Practical instruction for apostles based on this principle).
Acts 13:46: "And Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, saying, 'It was necessary that the word of God be spoken first to you. Since you thrust it aside... behold, we are turning to the Gentiles.'" (Example of applying this discernment).

Cross references

Pro 9:7-8 (do not correct a scoffer), Phil 3:2 (beware of dogs), Heb 6:4-6 (those who have fallen away), Heb 10:29 (trampling the Son of God).

Matthew 7:7-8

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.”

In-depth-analysis

The verbs "ask," "seek," and "knock" are in the Greek present imperative, suggesting a continuous, persistent action. It's an encouragement to "keep on asking, keep on seeking, keep on knocking."
This passage describes the posture of a disciple toward God: active, dependent, and confident.
It's a general promise of God's attentiveness and willingness to respond to his children, though not a blank check for any and all material requests. The context of the sermon (seeking righteousness) defines the nature of the things to be asked for.

Bible references

Luke 11:9-10: (The direct parallel, set in the context of Jesus teaching on prayer).
Jeremiah 29:13: "You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart." (OT promise that God can be found by earnest seekers).
James 4:2-3: "...You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions." (Provides a key condition for receiving).

Cross references

Mat 21:22 (ask in faith), Joh 14:13-14 (ask in Jesus' name), Joh 16:24 (ask and receive), 1 Joh 5:14-15 (asking according to His will).

Matthew 7:9-11

“Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!”

In-depth-analysis

This reinforces the teaching on prayer with a qal vahomer argument (from lesser to greater), a common Jewish teaching style.
It reasons from the imperfect love of "evil" (meaning sinful, fallible) human fathers to the perfect love of the Heavenly Father.
God’s fatherhood is the foundation of a believer's confidence in prayer. His nature is to give "good things." Luke's parallel version specifies the ultimate "good thing": "how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!" (Luk 11:13).

Bible references

Luke 11:11-13: "What father among you... will give him a serpent? ...how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!" (Parallel account specifying the Holy Spirit).
James 1:17: "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights..." (Confirms God as the source of all good).
Romans 8:32: "He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?" (The ultimate "from lesser to greater" argument).

Cross references

Gen 6:5 (human heart is evil), Hos 11:1-4 (God as a loving father to Israel), Psa 103:13 (as a father shows compassion).

Matthew 7:12

“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”

In-depth-analysis

Known as the Golden Rule, this is the positive, proactive summation of the entire ethical teaching of the Old Testament ("the Law and the Prophets").
It serves as the hinge between the sections on judging/giving (7:1-11) and the final warnings (7:13-27). It's the practical application of kingdom righteousness in all relationships.
Polemics: Many cultures had negative versions (e.g., Rabbi Hillel's "What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbor"). Jesus’ formulation is uniquely positive and demanding, requiring initiative in love, not just restraint from harm.
It connects love of neighbor directly to the revealed will of God.

Bible references

Matthew 22:39-40: "...‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets." (Explicitly states the principle this rule embodies).
Romans 13:8-10: "...he who loves another has fulfilled the law... Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law." (Paul's restatement of the same truth).
Galatians 5:14: "For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'" (Shows this was a foundational teaching in the early church).

Cross references

Luk 6:31 (parallel account), Lev 19:18 (love your neighbor as yourself).

Matthew 7:13-14

“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.”

In-depth-analysis

Jesus presents life as a choice between two paths, a common metaphor in wisdom literature.
The Wide Gate: The easy, popular, default way of the world. It requires no effort, discipline, or self-denial. It leads to apōleia (destruction, ruin, eternal loss).
The Narrow Gate: The way of discipleship taught in the Sermon. It is "hard" or "constricted," requiring repentance, submission to Christ's authority, and self-denial. It leads to "life."
The sobering reality: "many" are on the broad road, and "few" find the narrow one. This challenges any notion of universalism and stresses the urgency and deliberateness of the choice.

Bible references

Deuteronomy 30:19: "...I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life..." (The quintessential OT choice between two ways).
Psalm 1:6: "...for the LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish." (The two paths described in the Psalms).
Luke 13:24: “‘Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.'" (Emphasizes the active effort required).

Cross references

Jer 21:8 (the way of life and death), Pro 16:25 (a way that seems right but ends in death), Joh 10:9 (Jesus is the door), Joh 14:6 (Jesus is the way).

Matthew 7:15-20

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit..."

In-depth-analysis

This warning is a necessary guide for those on the narrow way. One of its chief dangers is being misled.
The Disguise: "Sheep's clothing." False prophets appear harmless, spiritual, orthodox, and part of the flock.
The Reality: "Ravenous wolves." Their true nature is predatory, seeking to devour and destroy the flock for their own gain.
The Test: "By their fruits." This is the key to discernment. Fruit refers to:
1. Character: Their personal morality and display of the Fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22-23).
2. Conduct: Their actions, especially regarding money, power, and purity.
3. Creed/Teaching: The outcome of their doctrine. Does it lead people to holiness and Christ, or to license and self?
A person's core nature determines their fruit. The link is inevitable. A good tree cannot produce bad fruit. This implies the test is reliable.

Bible references

2 Peter 2:1-3: "...there will be false teachers among you... bringing in destructive heresies... and in their greed they will exploit you with false words." (A detailed description of false teachers).
Galatians 5:19-23: (Contrasts the works of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit, providing a list of "fruits" to inspect).
Luke 6:43-45: "For no good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit, for each tree is known by its own fruit." (Direct parallel).

Cross references

Jer 23:16 (do not listen to prophets who speak a vision of their own heart), Eze 22:27 (her princes are like wolves), Act 20:29-30 (savage wolves will come in), 1 Joh 4:1 (test the spirits).

Matthew 7:21-23

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 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?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’”

In-depth-analysis

This is one of the most sobering and frightening passages in the Bible. It distinguishes true from false discipleship.
False Basis for Assurance:
1. Verbal Confession ("Lord, Lord").
2. Miraculous Ministry (prophesy, exorcisms, mighty works).
True Basis for Assurance: Obedience—"the one who does the will of my Father."
The Verdict: "I never knew you." The Greek word for "knew" (ginōskō) implies intimate, personal, relational knowledge, not just intellectual awareness. They had a ministry in His name, but no relationship with Him.
Their "mighty works" are ultimately redefined as "lawlessness" (anomia) because they were disconnected from a life of submission and love for God.

Bible references

Luke 6:46: "Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?" (Jesus's piercing question, summarizing the issue).
James 2:17: "So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead." (Teaches that true faith inevitably produces the obedience Jesus requires).
1 John 2:3-4: "And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. Whoever says 'I know him' but does not keep his commandments is a liar..." (Directly links knowing God with obedience).

Cross references

Tit 1:16 (they profess to know God but deny him by their works), Mat 25:11-12 (virgins who say 'Lord, open to us' are told 'I do not know you'), Hos 8:2 (Israel cries 'we know you' but is rejected).

Matthew 7:24-27

“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. ...And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. ..."

In-depth-analysis

The final, summarizing parable of the entire Sermon on the Mount. It forces a decision.
The Common Ground: Both men hear the exact same words from Jesus.
The Difference: One does them; the other does not. Obedience is the dividing line.
The Foundations:
- Rock (petra): Represents active obedience to Jesus' teaching. It provides stability and permanence.
- Sand: Represents mere hearing without application. It is unstable and insecure.
The Storm: The rain, floods, and wind represent the trials of life, the persecution of the faithful, and most importantly, the final day of judgment. It is an inevitable test that reveals the true quality of the foundation. The house on the rock does not avoid the storm, but it withstands it.

Bible references

James 1:22-25: "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves... he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror... but the one who looks into the perfect law... and perseveres... he will be blessed in his doing." (The clearest parallel teaching on hearing vs. doing).
Luke 6:47-49: (The parallel account of the same parable).
1 Corinthians 3:11-15: "For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold... wood, hay, straw—each one's work will become manifest..." (Expands on the theme of building and the fire of judgment testing the quality of the work).

Cross references

Psa 119:105 (your word is a lamp), Eze 33:32 (they hear your words but do not do them), Psa 18:2 (the Lord is my rock).

Matthew 7:28-29

And when Jesus finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, for he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes.

In-depth-analysis

This verse acts as the narrative conclusion to the entire sermon, shifting the focus to the crowd's reaction.
Word: The key is exousia (authority). This authority was intrinsic and personal.
The scribes' authority was derivative; they quoted other rabbis and traditions ("Rabbi so-and-so says..."). They were commentators on the Law.
Jesus spoke as the source of truth, as the Lawgiver Himself. He didn't just interpret the Law; He fulfilled and embodied it, saying "But I say to you..." (Mat 5:22, 28, etc.). This was a radical and astonishing claim of divine authority.

Bible references

Mark 1:22: "And they were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes." (The same observation in Mark's gospel).
John 7:46: "The officers answered, 'No one ever spoke like this man!'" (The testimony of guards sent to arrest him, struck by His unique speech).
Hebrews 4:12: "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword..." (Explains the nature of the "word" Jesus wielded).

Cross references

Mat 11:27 (all authority given to the Son), Joh 5:26-27 (the Son has authority to execute judgment).

Matthew chapter 7 analysis

Obedience as the Central Test: The chapter relentlessly returns to the theme that genuine faith is validated not by claims, knowledge, or even miraculous acts, but by obedience to the words of Christ. The progression moves from relational obedience (judging, Golden Rule), to life-path obedience (narrow gate), to doctrinal obedience (testing prophets), culminating in the final test of total life-obedience (building on the rock).
The Necessity of Discernment: Far from promoting a naive acceptance of everyone and everything, the chapter demands sharp spiritual discernment. A disciple must be able to distinguish between helpful correction and hypocritical judgment (v. 1-5), a receptive soul from a hostile mocker (v. 6), a true prophet from a wolf (v. 15-20), and a true disciple from a mere professor (v. 21-23).
Jesus' Supreme Authority: The chapter is bracketed by implicit and explicit claims of Jesus' authority. It opens with commands that revise Old Testament understandings and concludes with the crowd's shock at his unique exousia. The warnings about judgment ("on that day") position Him as the eschatological judge.

Matthew 7 summary

Jesus concludes the Sermon on the Mount with urgent, practical applications. He commands self-reflective, non-hypocritical judgment while also demanding wise discernment. He encourages persistent prayer based on God’s good, fatherly nature, and summarizes godly ethics in the Golden Rule. He then lays out a stark choice between the easy path to destruction and the difficult path to life, warning of false prophets who are identifiable only by their fruits. Finally, Jesus declares that entry into heaven is not for those who merely call him 'Lord' or perform miracles, but for those who do the Father's will. The sermon ends with the ultimate illustration: hearing and obeying Jesus’ words is the only rock-solid foundation that can withstand the inevitable storms of life and judgment.

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Matthew chapter 7 kjv

¹ Judge not, that ye be not judged.
² For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.
³ And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?
⁴ Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?
⁵ Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.
⁶ Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.
⁷ Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
⁸ For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
⁹ Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?
¹⁰ Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?
¹¹ If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?
¹² Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.
¹³ Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
¹⁴ Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
¹⁵ Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
¹⁶ Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
¹⁷ Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
¹⁸ A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
¹⁹ Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
²⁰ Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
²¹ 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 which is in heaven.
²² Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
²³ And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
²⁴ Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
²⁵ And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.
²⁶ And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:
²⁷ And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.
²⁸ And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine:
²⁹ For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.

Matthew chapter 7 nkjv

¹ "Judge not, that you be not judged.
² For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.
³ And why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?
⁴ Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me remove the speck from your eye'; and look, a plank is in your own eye?
⁵ Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.
⁶ "Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces.
⁷ "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.
⁸ For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.
⁹ Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone?
¹⁰ Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent?
¹¹ If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!
¹² Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.
¹³ "Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it.
¹⁴ Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.
¹⁵ "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.
¹⁶ You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles?
¹⁷ Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.
¹⁸ A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit.
¹⁹ Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
²⁰ Therefore by their fruits you will know them.
²¹ "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.
²² Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?'
²³ And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!'
²⁴ "Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock:
²⁵ and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.
²⁶ "But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand:
²⁷ and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall."
²⁸ And so it was, when Jesus had ended these sayings, that the people were astonished at His teaching,
²⁹ for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.

Matthew chapter 7 niv

¹ "Do not judge, or you too will be judged.
² For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
³ "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?
⁴ How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye?
⁵ You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.
⁶ "Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.
⁷ "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.
⁸ For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
⁹ "Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone?
¹⁰ Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake?
¹¹ If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!
¹² So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.
¹³ "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.
¹⁴ But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.
¹⁵ "Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.
¹⁶ By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?
¹⁷ Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.
¹⁸ A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit.
¹⁹ Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
²⁰ Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.
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 who is in heaven.
²² Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?'
²³ Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'
²⁴ "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.
²⁵ The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.
²⁶ But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand.
²⁷ The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash."
²⁸ When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching,
²⁹ because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.

Matthew chapter 7 esv

¹ "Judge not, that you be not judged.
² For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.
³ Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?
⁴ Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when there is the log in your own eye?
⁵ You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye.
⁶ "Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you.
⁷ "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.
⁸ For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.
⁹ Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone?
¹⁰ Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent?
¹¹ If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!
¹² "So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.
¹³ "Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many.
¹⁴ For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.
¹⁵ "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.
¹⁶ You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?
¹⁷ So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit.
¹⁸ A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit.
¹⁹ Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
²⁰ Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.
²¹ "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is 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 And then will I declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.'
²⁴ "Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.
²⁵ And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.
²⁶ And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand.
²⁷ And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it."
²⁸ And when Jesus finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at his teaching,
²⁹ for he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes.

Matthew chapter 7 nlt

¹ "Do not judge others, and you will not be judged.
² For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged.
³ "And why worry about a speck in your friend's eye when you have a log in your own?
⁴ How can you think of saying to your friend, 'Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,' when you can't see past the log in your own eye?
⁵ Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend's eye.
⁶ "Don't waste what is holy on people who are unholy. Don't throw your pearls to pigs! They will trample the pearls, then turn and attack you.
⁷ "Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.
⁸ For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.
⁹ "You parents ? if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead?
¹⁰ Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not!
¹¹ So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.
¹² "Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.
¹³ "You can enter God's Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way.
¹⁴ But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.
¹⁵ "Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves.
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?
¹⁷ A good tree produces good fruit, and a bad tree produces bad fruit.
¹⁸ A good tree can't produce bad fruit, and a bad tree can't produce good fruit.
¹⁹ So every tree that does not produce good fruit is chopped down and thrown into the fire.
²⁰ Yes, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions.
²¹ "Not everyone who calls out to me, 'Lord! Lord!' will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter.
²² On judgment day many will say to me, 'Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.'
²³ But I will reply, 'I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God's laws.'
²⁴ "Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock.
²⁵ Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won't collapse because it is built on bedrock.
²⁶ But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn't obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand.
²⁷ When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash."
²⁸ When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching,
²⁹ for he taught with real authority ? quite unlike their teachers of religious law.