³¹ So My people come to you in crowds,^[a] sit in front of you, and hear your words, but they don’t obey them. Although they express love with their mouths, their hearts pursue dishonest profit. ³² Yes, to them you are like a singer of love songs who has a beautiful voice and plays skillfully on an instrument. They hear your words, but they don’t obey them.

²⁰ because Herod was in awe^(A) of^[a] John and was protecting him, knowing he was a righteous^(B) and holy^(C) man. When Herod heard him he would be very disturbed,^[b](D) yet would hear him gladly.^(E)

³⁵ John^[a](A) was a burning and shining lamp,^(B) and for a time you were willing to enjoy his light.^(C)