All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.
So yeah, follow the good things they teach you to do, but don't copy how they actually live their lives. They're really good at talking the talk, but they don't walk the walk.
Listen to the wisdom, but don't copy the hypocrisy.
📚 Historical Context
In the first century, Jesus was addressing crowds and his disciples in Jerusalem, where he sharply criticized the scribes and Pharisees for their hypocritical behavior as religious leaders. These leaders were experts in the Law of Moses and held positions of authority, but they often imposed burdensome rules on others while failing to live by those same standards themselves. Jesus' words in this verse highlight the importance of distinguishing between true teaching and inconsistent actions.
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