And He [began] speakinga parableto the invited guestswhen He noticedhowthey had been pickingout the places of honor[at the table], sayingto them,
For it is betterthat it be saidto you, "Comeup here,"Thanfor you to be placedlowerin the presenceof the prince,Whomyour eyeshave seen.
Does not wisdomcall,And understandingliftup her voice?
"Sonof man,propounda riddleand speaka parableto the houseof Israel,
Allthese thingsJesusspoketo the crowdsin parables,and He did not speakto them withouta parable.
"They lovethe place of honorat banquetsand the chief seatsin the synagogues,
"Woeto you Pharisees!For you lovethe chief seatsin the synagoguesand the respectful greetingsin the market places.
"Bewareof the scribes,who liketo walk aroundin long robes,and loverespectful greetingsin the market places,and chief seatsin the synagoguesand places of honorat banquets,
Do nothingfrom selfishnessorempty conceit,but with humility of mindregardone anotheras more importantthan yourselves;
I wrotesomethingto the church;but Diotrephes,who loves to be firstamong them, does not acceptwhat we say.
Then Samsonsaidto them, "Let me nowpropounda riddleto you; ifyou will indeedtellit to me within the sevendaysof the feast,and findit out, then I will giveyou thirtylinenwrapsand thirtychangesof clothes.
