Matthew 23:3

An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

Therefore, observe and practice everything they urge upon you, but do not follow their example [of living] because they say [the right things] but do not do them.

Cross References

2 Timothy 3:5

[These people] maintain an appearance of being godly, but they have denied its power; [you should] turn away from such people.

Titus 1:16

These people claim to know God [as Savior], but they deny Him by their actions, so they are detestable and disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.

Acts 5:29

But Peter and the apostles answered them, “We must obey God instead of [you] men [in this situation].

Romans 13:1

Every person must be submissive to the ruling authorities, for all authorities come from God. And the existence of authorities has been established by God.

Matthew 21:30

He went to the second son and said the same thing. That son replied, ‘[Yes], sir, I will,’ [but] then did not go.

Matthew 23:2

saying, “The experts in the Law of Moses and the Pharisees teach by the authority of Moses.

Matthew 23:4

Yes, they require people to bear heavy and difficult responsibilities, and place them on people’s shoulders [to carry out], but they themselves will not lift a finger to do them.