Definition: And he said unto them in his doctrine, Beware of the scribes, which love to go in long clothing, and [love] salutations in the marketplaces,

Explanation: Okay, let's break down that verse from Mark 12:38. It’s a really important message about truth and how we should live our lives. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Core Idea: Jesus is teaching us to be discerning – to look closely and not blindly accept everything people say or do. He's warning against those who are overly concerned with appearances, particularly long clothing and greetings (like saying "hello" constantly). Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And he said unto them…” : This means Jesus is speaking to a group of people – likely the disciples. “…in his doctrine…” : “Doctrine” refers to what Jesus teaches, his beliefs and principles. He's not just giving a casual comment; he’s explaining something important. “…Beware of the scribes…” : This is the key part! The verse immediately follows a description of a scribe – someone who reads and writes religious texts. Jesus is comparing them to this group. “…which love to go in long clothing, and [love] salutations in the marketplaces.” : This describes their behavior. They’re excessively concerned with: Long clothing: This suggests they are preoccupied with outward appearances – dressing up a lot, perhaps to impress others. Salutations (hello’s, greetings): This means they constantly say “hello” and other greetings, likely for attention or to be seen. So, the whole point of the verse is this: Jesus isn't criticizing the scribes themselves. He's warning us about a type of person – those who are focused on outward appearances and constantly seeking attention through their clothing and greetings - that might be misleading or deceptive. What does it mean for us today? It’s a reminder to: Be discerning: Don’t accept everything we hear at face value. Think critically about what people say. Focus on truth: Don't get caught up in superficial things – like clothing or greetings – that don’t matter as much as the true message of God. Live a life of integrity: Be genuine and honest, not concerned with how we appear to others. In short, Jesus is urging us to look beyond appearances and focus on what truly matters: a genuine relationship with God. --- Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Give an example of how this principle applies to our lives today? Explain the historical context of this passage?