What Defiles a Man

(Mark 7:14–23)

10 [Jesus] called the crowd [to Him] [and] said “Listen and understand. 11 A man is not defiled by what enters [his] mouth, but by what comes out of [it].”

12 Then the disciples came to Him [and] said, “Are You aware that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this

13 But [Jesus] replied “Every plant that My heavenly Father has not planted will be pulled up by its roots. 14 Disregard them! They are blind guides If [a] blind [man] leads [a] blind [man], both will fall into a pit.”

15 Peter said to Him, “Explain this parable to us.”

16 “Do you still not understand?” [Jesus] asked. 17 Do you not yet realize that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and then is eliminated 18 But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these things defile a man. 19 For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, [and] slander. 20 These are what defile a man, but eating with unwashed hands does not defile [him].”