Matthew 23:3
“All things therefore whatever they tell you to observe, observe and do, but don’t do their works; for they say, and don’t do.”
What does Matthew 23:3 mean?
Jesus is calling out a painful contradiction in the religious leaders of his time: they taught good things from Scripture, but their own lives didn't match their teaching. He's telling his followers to listen to the actual instruction they give (the content of God's law is still valid), but don't imitate their hypocrisy or their self-serving behavior. This speaks to something many of us recognize in our own lives: the gap between what we know we should do and what we actually do. It's also a gentle reminder that we can learn truth from imperfect people, while still being honest about their flaws. The real issue isn't the teaching itself, but living it out with integrity.