¹⁶ So I said, “Wisdom is better than strength.” But the poor man’s wisdom is despised, and his words are no longer heeded.^(A)

Saying 22

² When the Sabbath came,^(A) he began to teach in the synagogue,^(B) and many who heard him were amazed.^(C)

“Where did this man get these things?” they asked. “What’s this wisdom that has been given him? What are these remarkable miracles he is performing? ³ Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t this Mary’s son and the brother of James, Joseph,^[a] Judas and Simon?^(D) Aren’t his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him.^(E)

⁴⁷ “You mean he has deceived you also?”^(A) the Pharisees retorted. ⁴⁸ “Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed in him?^{(B) 49} No! But this mob that knows nothing of the law—there is a curse on them.”

² Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. ³ If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” ⁴ have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges^(A) with evil thoughts?

⁵ Listen, my dear brothers and sisters:^(B) Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world^(C) to be rich in faith^(D) and to inherit the kingdom^(E) he promised those who love him?^{(F) 6} But you have dishonored the poor.^(G) Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court?^(H)