What does the phrase "divide the sheep from the goats" allude to?

The phrase "divide the sheep from the goats" alludes to a biblical metaphor found in the Gospel of Matthew (Matthew 25:31-46), where it signifies a time of judgment. In this passage, Jesus describes the final judgment when individuals are separated based on their actions, similar to how shepherds would separate sheep from goats in a flock. The sheep represent the righteous, who helped those in need, while the goats symbolize the unrighteous, who did not help others. This imagery underscores themes of moral evaluation and accountability, emphasizing that one’s actions in life will determine their fate after death. Thus, the phrase encapsulates the concept of divine judgment and moral discernment, making the choice referring to a time of judgment the correct one.