16. “Woe to you, blind guides, who say, ‘Whoever takes an oath by the sanctuary, it means nothing. But whoever takes an oath by the gold of the sanctuary is bound by his oath.’
17. Blind fools! For which is greater, the gold or the sanctuary that sanctified the gold?
18. Also, ‘Whoever takes an oath by the altar, it means nothing. But whoever takes an oath by the gift that is on it is bound by his oath.’
19. Blind people! For which is greater, the gift or the altar that sanctifies the gift?
20. Therefore, the one who takes an oath by the altar takes an oath by it and by everything on it.
21. The one who takes an oath by the sanctuary takes an oath by it and by Him who dwells in it.
22. And the one who takes an oath by heaven takes an oath by God’s throne and by Him who sits on it.
23. “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You pay a tenth of mint, dill, and cumin, yet you have neglected the more important matters of the law — justice, mercy, and faith. These things should have been done without neglecting the others.
24. Blind guides! You strain out a gnat, yet gulp down a camel!
25. “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence!
26. Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup, so the outside of it may also become clean.
27. “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which appear beautiful on the outside, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and every impurity.