Matthew 23:1-12 ▼

1 Then Jesus addressed the crowds and His disciples.

2 "The Scribes," He said, "and the Pharisees sit in the chair of Moses.

3 Therefore do and observe everything that they command you; but do not imitate their lives, for though they tell others what to do, they do not do it themselves.

4 Heavy and cumbrous burdens they bind together and load men's shoulders with them, while as for themselves, not with one finger do they choose to lift them.

5 And everything they do they do with a view to being observed by men; for they widen their phylacteries and make the tassels large,

6 and love the best seats at a dinner party or in the synagogues,

7 and like to be bowed to in places of public resort, and to be addressed by men as 'Rabbi.'

8 "As for you, do not accept the title of 'Rabbi,' for one alone is your Teacher, and you are all brothers.

9 And call no one on earth your Father, for One alone is your Father--the Heavenly Father.

10 And do not accept the name of 'leader,' for your Leader is one alone--the Christ.

11 He who is the greatest among you shall be your servant;

12 and one who exalts himself shall be abased, while one who abases himself shall be exalted.