Verse 15

But Jesus said to them,“You are the ones who justify yourselves in men’s eyes, but God knows your hearts. For what is highly prized among men is utterly detestable in God’s sight.

Referenced Verses

  • 1 Sam 16:7 : 7 But the LORD said to Samuel,“Don’t be impressed by his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. God does not view things the way men do. People look on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”
  • Prov 16:5 : 5 The LORD abhors every arrogant person; rest assured that they will not go unpunished.
  • 1 Pet 3:4 : 4 but the inner person of the heart, the lasting beauty of a gentle and tranquil spirit, which is precious in God’s sight.
  • 1 Pet 5:5 : 5 In the same way, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.
  • 1 Cor 4:5 : 5 So then, do not judge anything before the time. Wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the motives of hearts. Then each will receive recognition from God.
  • Prov 21:2 : 2 All of a person’s ways seem right in his own opinion, but the LORD evaluates his thoughts.
  • Jer 17:10 : 10 I, the LORD, probe into people’s minds. I examine people’s hearts. I deal with each person according to how he has behaved. I give them what they deserve based on what they have done.
  • 1 Chr 29:17 : 17 I know, my God, that you examine thoughts and are pleased with integrity. With pure motives I contribute all this; and now I look with joy as your people who have gathered here contribute to you.
  • 2 Chr 6:30 : 30 then listen from your heavenly dwelling place, forgive their sin, and act favorably toward each one based on your evaluation of their motives.(Indeed you are the only one who can correctly evaluate the motives of all people.)
  • Ps 7:9 : 9 May the evil deeds of the wicked come to an end! But make the innocent secure, O righteous God, you who examine inner thoughts and motives!
  • Acts 15:8 : 8 And God, who knows the heart, has testified to them by giving them the Holy Spirit just as he did to us,
  • Rev 2:23 : 23 Furthermore, I will strike her followers with a deadly disease, and then all the churches will know that I am the one who searches minds and hearts. I will repay each one of you what your deeds deserve.
  • Matt 23:5 : 5 They do all their deeds to be seen by people, for they make their phylacteries wide and their tassels long.
  • Matt 23:25-27 : 25 “Woe to you, experts in the law and you Pharisees, hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and the dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. 26 Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup, so that the outside may become clean too! 27 “Woe to you, experts in the law and you Pharisees, hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs that look beautiful on the outside but inside are full of the bones of the dead and of everything unclean.
  • Luke 10:29 : 29 But the expert, wanting to justify himself, said to Jesus,“And who is my neighbor?”
  • Luke 11:39 : 39 But the Lord said to him,“Now you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and the plate, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness.
  • Luke 18:11 : 11 The Pharisee stood and prayed about himself like this:‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people: extortionists, unrighteous people, adulterers– or even like this tax collector.
  • Luke 18:21 : 21 The man replied,“I have wholeheartedly obeyed all these laws since my youth.”
  • Luke 20:20 : 20 Paying Taxes to Caesar Then they watched him carefully and sent spies who pretended to be sincere. They wanted to take advantage of what he might say so that they could deliver him up to the authority and jurisdiction of the governor.
  • Luke 20:47 : 47 They devour widows’ property, and as a show make long prayers. They will receive a more severe punishment.”
  • John 2:25 : 25 He did not need anyone to testify about man, for he knew what was in man.
  • John 21:17 : 17 Jesus said a third time,“Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was distressed that Jesus asked him a third time,“Do you love me?” and said,“Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.” Jesus replied,“Feed my sheep.
  • Acts 1:18 : 18 (Now this man Judas acquired a field with the reward of his unjust deed, and falling headfirst he burst open in the middle and all his intestines gushed out.
  • Rom 3:20 : 20 For no one is declared righteous before him by the works of the law, for through the law comes the knowledge of sin.
  • Ps 10:3 : 3 Yes, the wicked man boasts because he gets what he wants; the one who robs others curses and rejects the LORD.
  • Ps 49:13 : 13 This is the destiny of fools, and of those who approve of their philosophy.(Selah)
  • Ps 49:18 : 18 He pronounces this blessing on himself while he is alive:“May men praise you, for you have done well!”
  • Ps 139:1-2 : 1 For the music director, a psalm of David. O LORD, you examine me and know. 2 You know when I sit down and when I get up; even from far away you understand my motives.
  • Amos 5:21-22 : 21 “I absolutely despise your festivals! I get no pleasure from your religious assemblies! 22 Even if you offer me burnt and grain offerings, I will not be satisfied; I will not look with favor on your peace offerings of fattened calves.
  • Mal 3:15 : 15 So now we consider the arrogant to be happy; indeed, those who practice evil are successful. In fact, those who challenge God escape!’”
  • Matt 6:2 : 2 Thus whenever you do charitable giving, do not blow a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in synagogues and on streets so that people will praise them. I tell you the truth, they have their reward!
  • Matt 6:5 : 5 Private Prayer“Whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, because they love to pray while standing in synagogues and on street corners so that people can see them. Truly I say to you, they have their reward!
  • Matt 6:16 : 16 Proper Fasting“When you fast, do not look sullen like the hypocrites, for they make their faces unattractive so that people will see them fasting. I tell you the truth, they have their reward!
  • Isa 1:10-14 : 10 Listen to the LORD’s message, you leaders of Sodom! Pay attention to our God’s rebuke, people of Gomorrah! 11 “Of what importance to me are your many sacrifices?” says the LORD.“I have had my fill of burnt sacrifices of rams and the fat from steers. The blood of bulls, lambs, and goats I do not want. 12 When you enter my presence, do you actually think I want this– animals trampling on my courtyards? 13 Do not bring any more meaningless offerings; I consider your incense detestable! You observe new moon festivals, Sabbaths, and convocations, but I cannot tolerate sin-stained celebrations! 14 I hate your new moon festivals and assemblies; they are a burden that I am tired of carrying.
  • Prov 20:6 : 6 Many people profess their loyalty, but a faithful person– who can find?
  • Jas 2:21-25 : 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? 22 You see that his faith was working together with his works and his faith was perfected by works. 23 And the scripture was fulfilled that says,“Now Abraham believed God and it was counted to him for righteousness,” and he was called God’s friend. 24 You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. 25 And similarly, was not Rahab the prostitute also justified by works when she welcomed the messengers and sent them out by another way?