14 ^rNow he was casting out a demon that was mute. When the demon had gone out, the mute man spoke, and the people ^smarveled. 15 But some of them said, ^t“He casts out demons by ^uBeelzebul, the prince of demons,” 16 while others, to test him, kept seeking from him a sign from heaven. 17 But he, knowing their thoughts, said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and a divided household falls. 18 And if Satan also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you say that I cast out demons by Beelzebul. 19 And if I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges. 20 But if it is by the ^vfinger of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. 21 When a ^wstrong man, fully armed, guards his own palace, his goods are safe; 22 but when one stronger than he attacks him and overcomes him, he takes away his armor in which he trusted and divides his spoil. 23 ^xWhoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.