The Heart of Man

14 After He called the crowd to Him again, He began saying to them, “Listen to Me, all of you, and understand:

15 there is nothing outside the man which can defile him if it goes into him; but the things which proceed out of the man are what defile the man.

16 [“1If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.”]

17 When he had left the crowd and entered athe house, bHis disciples questioned Him about the parable.

18 And He * said to them, “Are you so lacking in understanding also? Do you not understand that whatever goes into the man from outside cannot defile him,

19 because it does not go into his heart, but into his stomach, and 1is eliminated?” (Thus He declared aall foods bclean.)

20 And He was saying, “aThat which proceeds out of the man, that is what defiles the man.

21 “For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed the evil thoughts, 1fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries,

22 deeds of coveting and wickedness, as well as deceit, sensuality, 1aenvy, slander, 2pride and foolishness.

23 “All these evil things proceed from within and defile the man.”