August 29, 2027

1Now therefore, Israel, hear the statutes and ordinances I am teaching you to observe, that you may live, and may enter in and take possession of the land which the LORD, the God of your ancestors, is giving you. 2In your observance of the commandments of the LORD, your God, which I am commanding you, you shall not add to what I command you nor subtract from it. 6Observe them carefully, for this is your wisdom and discernment in the sight of the peoples, who will hear of all these statutes and say, “This great nation is truly a wise and discerning people.” 7For what great nation is there that has gods so close to it as the LORD, our God, is to us whenever we call upon him? 8Or what great nation has statutes and ordinances that are as just as this whole law which I am setting before you today?

2II - Whoever walks without blame, doing what is right, speaking truth from the heart; 3Who does not slander with his tongue, does no harm to a friend, never defames a neighbor; 4Who disdains the wicked, but honors those who fear the LORD; Who keeps an oath despite the cost, 5lends no money at interest, accepts no bribe against the innocent. III - Whoever acts like this shall never be shaken.

17all good giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no alteration or shadow caused by change. 18He willed to give us birth by the word of truth that we may be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. 21Therefore, put away all filth and evil excess and humbly welcome the word that has been planted in you and is able to save your souls. 22Be doers of the word and not hearers only, deluding yourselves. 27Religion that is pure and undefiled before God and the Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their affliction and to keep oneself unstained by the world.

18He willed to give us birth by the word of truth that we may be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

1Now when the Pharisees with some scribes who had come from Jerusalem gathered around him, 2they observed that some of his disciples ate their meals with unclean, that is, unwashed, hands. 3(For the Pharisees and, in fact, all Jews, do not eat without carefully washing their hands, keeping the tradition of the elders. 4And on coming from the marketplace they do not eat without purifying themselves. And there are many other things that they have traditionally observed, the purification of cups and jugs and kettles [and beds].) 5So the Pharisees and scribes questioned him, “Why do your disciples not follow the tradition of the elders but instead eat a meal with unclean hands?” 6He responded, “Well did Isaiah prophesy about you hypocrites, as it is written: ‘This people honors me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me; 7In vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines human precepts.’ 8You disregard God’s commandment but cling to human tradition.” 14He summoned the crowd again and said to them, “Hear me, all of you, and understand. 15Nothing that enters one from outside can defile that person; but the things that come out from within are what defile.” 21From within people, from their hearts, come evil thoughts, unchastity, theft, murder, 22adultery, greed, malice, deceit, licentiousness, envy, blasphemy, arrogance, folly. 23All these evils come from within and they defile.”