These people praise me with their words, said Jehovah, but they never draw near to me in their hearts (deepest thoughts). Their reverence for me comes from the repetitious tradition of men.

I will declare your righteousness and your works, yet they will not profit you.

Being

I am a Jew, born in Tarsus in Cilicia, but brought up here in Jerusalem as a student of Gamaliel. I received instruction in the Law of our ancestors and was just as zealous for God as are all of you.

They knew me from the beginning. They could testify that I was from the strictest sect of our religion and I lived as a Pharisee.

I might have confidence even in the flesh. If any other man thinks to have confidence in the flesh, I have more!

Traditions

When they ask you where they should go, say to them: This is what Jehovah says: Those who are to die will die. Those who are to die in wars will die in wars. Those who are to die in famines will die in famines. Those who are to die in captivity will die in captivity.

They questioned him: Why do your disciples go against the teaching of the fathers? They eat food with unwashed hands.

(For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, do not eat until they wash their hands. They practice the tradition of the elders.)

See to it that no one enslaves you by means of philosophy and worthless deceit of human wisdom according to tradition of men. It is according to the elementary principles of the world, and not from Christ.

You love him without seeing him. Though you do not see him, you believe in him. Full of glory, you rejoice greatly with indescribable joy.

General references

When the sore heals and becomes white again, you should go to the priest.