Luke 6:26

Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.

Luke 6:26 (KJV)

Context

This verse is part of the Sermon on the Plain in Luke’s Gospel, where Jesus addresses the crowd gathered to hear Him. It is the final verse in a series of blessings and woes that Jesus pronounces in Luke 6:20-26, contrasting the attitudes and destinies of different groups of people.

Meaning

When Jesus says, “Woe unto you,” He is using a term of rebuke or sorrowful warning. In this context, He is specifically addressing those who are praised and spoken well of by everyone. The caution lies in the fact that being well-liked and praised by people is not necessarily an indication of righteousness or alignment with God’s will. Jesus emphasizes that the praise received by individuals in this manner is akin to how the fathers, or ancestors, of the people treated the false prophets. The false prophets were often flattered and celebrated by the people because they said what the people wanted to hear rather than delivering God’s truth.

The word “all” is significant; it is present in the King James Version and the Alexandrian copy of the Greek text. The meaning is that it looks ill when the men of the world, wicked men, all of them or the greater part of them, applaud and commend a person. This can never be the case if they are truly religious and faithful to their principles, because faithful living often brings opposition. It is not a bad sign to have the good word of good men, but universal praise from the world is a cause for concern.

Application

This warning serves as a reminder that popularity and acceptance should not be the ultimate goal for followers of Christ. Instead, the focus should be on aligning one’s actions, words, and beliefs with God’s will, even if it means facing opposition or criticism. Luke 6:26 encourages believers to evaluate their motives, intentions, and the source of their acclaim. It reminds them to prioritise faithfulness to God and His truth, rather than seeking the approval and praise of others. True discipleship often involves standing firm in the face of opposition and remaining faithful to God’s teachings, regardless of societal opinions or trends.

Reflection

Overall, Luke 6:26 serves as a cautionary verse, reminding believers to seek God’s approval above the fleeting admiration of people and to discern between true and false prophets.