14Now he was casting out a demon that was mute. When the demon had gone out, the mute man spoke, and the people marveled.

15But some of them said, "He casts out demons by Beelzebul, the prince of demons,"

16while others, to test him, kept seeking from him a sign from heaven.

17But he, knowing their thoughts, said to them, "Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and a divided household falls.

18And if Satan also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you say that I cast out demons by Beelzebul.

19And if I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges.

20But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.

21When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own palace, his goods are safe;

22but when one stronger than he attacks him and overcomes him, he takes away his armor in which he trusted and divides his spoil.

23Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.

24"When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, and finding none it says, 'I will return to my house from which I came.'

25And when it comes, it finds the house swept and put in order.

26Then it goes and brings seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and dwell there. And the last state of that person is worse than the first."