Matthew 23:1-22 ▼

1 Then spake Jesus to the crowds and to his disciples,

2 Saying, Upon Moses' seat sat the scribes and Pharisees.

3 Therefore all whatever they say to you to keep, keep and do; and according to their works do not, for they say and do not.

4 For they bind loads heavy and difficult to carry, and put upon men's shoulders; and with their fingers will they not move them.

5 And all their works do they, to be seen by men: and make broad their preservatives, and enlarge the border of their garments.

6 And love the first place at suppers, and the first seat in the assemblies,

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

8 And be ye not called Rabbi: for one is your guide, Christ; and all ye are brethren.

9 And call not your father upon earth: for one is your Father, which in the heavens.

10 Nor be ye called leaders, for one is your Leader, Christ.

11 And the greater of you shall be your servant.

12 And whoever shall exalt himself shall be humbled; and whoever shall humble himself, shall be exalted.

13 Woe to you scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye lock up the kingdom of the heavens before men: for ye come not in yourselves, neither those coming in, permit ye to come in.

14 Woe to you scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows' houses, and for pretence, praying at great lengths; for this shall ye receive more distinguished judgment.

15 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees hypocrites! for ye go about sea and dry land to make one proselyte, and when he should become, ye make him the son of hell, twofold more than you.

16 Woe to you blind guides, saying, Whoever should swear by the temple, it is nothing; but whoever should swear by the gold of the temple, he is indebted!

17 Foolish and blind; for which is the greater, the gold, or the temple consecrating the gold?

18 And, Whoever should swear by the altar, it is nothing; and whoever should swear by the gift above it, he is indebted.

19 Foolish and blind: for which is the greater, the gift, or the altar, consecrating the gifts?

20 Therefore, he having sworn by the altar, swears by it, and by all above it.

21 And he having sworn by the temple, swears by it, and by him dwelling in it.

22 And he having sworn by heaven, swears by the throne of God, and by him sitting above it.