Matthew 23:1-15 ▼

1 THEN Jesus spoke with the people and with his disciples.

2 And he said to them, The scribes and the Pharisees sit on the chair of Moses.

3 Therefore whatever they tell you to obey, obey and do it, but do not do according to their works; for they say and do not.

4 And they bind heavy burdens, and put them on men’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to touch them, even with their finger.

5 And all their works they do, just to be seen by men; for they widen the fringes of their garments, and they lengthen the ends of their robes,

6 And they like the chief places at feasts, and the front seats in the synagogues,

7 And the greetings in the streets, and to be called by men, Rabbi.

8 But you do not be called, Rabbi; for one is your Master, and all you are brethren.

9 And call no one on earth, father, for one is your Father in heaven.

10 Nor be called leaders, for one is your leader, the Christ.

11 But he who is greatest among you, let him be your minister.

12 For whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted.

13 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for you embezzle the property of widows, with the pretense that you make long prayers; because of this you shall receive a greater judgment.

14 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for you have shut off the kingdom of heaven against men; for you do not enter into it yourselves, and do not permit those who would enter.

15 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for you traverse sea and land to make one proselyte; and when he becomes one, you make him the son of hell twice more than yourselves.