What Defiles a Man

(Matthew 15:10–20)

14 Once again [Jesus] called the whole crowd[fn] [to Him and] said, “All of you, listen to Me and understand: 15 Nothing that enters a man from the outside can defile him; but the things that come out of a man, these are what defile [him]. 16 If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.”[fn]

17 After [Jesus] had left the crowd [and gone] into [the] house, His disciples inquired about the parable.

18 “Are you still so dull?” He asked. “Do you not understand? Nothing that enters a man from the outside can defile him, 19 because it does not enter his heart, but [it goes] into the stomach and then is eliminated, [thus] purifying all foods.”[fn]

20 He continued: “What comes out of a man, that [is what] defiles [him]. 21 For from within the hearts of men come evil thoughts, adultery, sexual immorality, murder, theft,[fn] 22 greed, wickedness, deceit, debauchery, envy, slander, arrogance, [and] foolishness. 23 All these evils come from within, and [these are what] defile a man.”