Matthew 23:16

Easy To Read Version

“It will be bad for you teachers of the law and Pharisees. {\cf2\super [338]} You guide the people, but you are blind. You say, ‘If any person uses the name of the temple {\cf2\super [339]} to make a promise, that means nothing. But if any person uses the gold that is in the temple to make a promise, then he must keep that promise.’

Cross References

Isaiah 9:16

The men that lead the people are leading them the wrong way. And the people that follow them will be destroyed.

Matthew 15:14

Stay away from the Pharisees. {\cf2\super [208]} They lead the people, but they are like blind men leading other blind men. And if a blind man leads another blind man, then both men will fall into a hole.”

Matthew 23:13

“It will be bad for you teachers of the law and Pharisees. {\cf2\super [333]} You are hypocrites. {\cf2\super [334]} You close the way for people to enter the kingdom of heaven. You yourselves don’t enter, and you stop the people that are trying to enter.

Matthew 23:17

You are blind fools! Which is greater: the gold, or the temple? The temple makes that gold holy. \{So the temple is greater.\}

Matthew 23:19

You are blind. \{You understand nothing!\} Which is greater: the gift, or the altar? The altar makes the gift holy. \{So the altar is greater.\}

Matthew 23:24

You guide the people, but you are blind! Think about a person picking a little fly out of his drink and then swallowing a camel! You are like that. {\cf2\super [344]}

Matthew 23:26

Pharisees, you are blind! First make the inside of the cup clean and good. Then the outside of the cup can be truly clean.

Galatians 5:3

Again, I warn every man: If you allow yourselves to be circumcised, then you must follow all the law \{of Moses\}.

James 5:12

My brothers and sisters, it is very important that you not use an oath when you make a promise. Don’t use the name of heaven, earth, or anything else to prove what you say. When you mean yes, say only “yes.” When you mean no, say only “no.” Do this so that you will not be judged guilty.