that you may better know the certainty of those things that you have been taught.

I did not come to call the [self-proclaimed] righteous [who see no need to repent], but sinners to repentance [to change their old way of thinking, to turn from sin and to seek God and His righteousness].”

And no man, having had old wine, has any desire for new, for he says, The old is better.

A pupil is not better than his teacher, but everyone when fully trained will be like his teacher.

For this reason, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven, for she has loved much. [Note: This suggests that her forgiveness was the result of her loving, but the point Jesus makes better fits the idea that her forgiveness produced love]. But the person who is forgiven of little [i.e., of only a few sins], loves [only] a little bit."

But other seed fell on good soil and grew, and it produced a hundred times as much grain." As he said this, he called out, "The one who has ears to hear had better listen!"

I say to you, It will be better in that day for Sodom than for that town.

But it will be better for Tyre and Sidon, in the day of judging, than for you.

But few [things] are necessary, or [only] one [thing], for Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her."

But He said, "Yes, but better still, blessed are those who listen to God's message and practice it!"

Better cleanse what is within; then nothing will be unclean for you.

But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore, ye are better than many sparrows.

Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?

I tell you, no; but unless you repent [change your old way of thinking, turn from your sinful ways and live changed lives], you will all likewise perish.

I tell you, no; but unless you repent [change your old way of thinking, turn from your sinful ways and live changed lives], you will all likewise perish.”

And if indeed it produces fruit in the coming [year], [so much the better], but if not, you can cut it down.'"

But when you are invited anywhere, go and take the lowest place, so that when your host comes in, he may say to you, 'My friend, come up to a better place.' Then you will be honored in the presence of all your fellow-guests.

It is of no value for the soil or for the manure pile; it is to be thrown out. The one who has ears to hear had better listen!"

I tell you, in the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance.

In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents [that is, changes his inner self—his old way of thinking, regrets past sins, lives his life in a way that proves repentance; and seeks God’s purpose for his life].”

He would have gladly eaten the [carob] pods that the pigs were eating [but they could not satisfy his hunger], and no one was giving anything to him.

and this unfaithful steward was commended by his master for being so provident. for they who look to this world, manage their affairs with more prudence, than those who have a prospect of a better.

He replied, ‘No, father Abraham, but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent [they will change their old way of thinking and seek God and His righteousness].’

It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.

For I will give you words and wisdom, so that not one of those who are against you will be able to get the better of you, or to put you in the wrong.

A third time he said to them, “Why, what wrong has He done? I have found no guilt [no crime, no offense] in Him demanding death; therefore I will punish Him [to teach Him a lesson] and release Him.”