Matthew 23:1-4

So you must do whatever they tell you, and keep it, but don’t do the things they do. You see, they talk but don’t do. -Jesus

Don’t ignore God or anything that is in His book just because it may be uttered by some hypocrite you don’t like or doesn’t practice what (s)he preaches. The evil one will easily lead you astray by this. Many have walked away because of this very thing, I’ve seen it.

But it is no excuse, for truth is truth. Someone else’s hypocrisy is no reason for your failure to follow God.

This is good reason to always keep our eyes on Jesus. As soon as we focus on people, especially ones who are poor examples of Christ, we are diverted from the One who is good.

Follow God and Him alone, no matter what many may do in His name.

Matthew 23:8-12

This passage is why I stay away from the word “leader” and shun honorific titles. There’s God and then everybody else. That’s it. We are all servants of Him. “Steward” is about the best word we can use in place of “leader” as it connotes service and responsibility.

Proverbs 23:7

Your thoughts determine your character.

If you’re always seeing the negative things in other people, then you are a negative, unloving person. [that sounded harsh]

If you are looking at the good and the potential in others, then you are a loving person.

Remember agape, looking at the precious jewel that is at the core of every single person.

Proverbs 23:9

Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, for he will despise the wisdom of your words.

A comment I read on this verse stated, “Don’t waste your thoughts on those who don’t hunger for them.”