³⁸ The field is the world, and the good seed stands for the people of the kingdom. The weeds are the people of the evil one,^{(A) 39} and the enemy who sows them is the devil. The harvest^(B) is the end of the age,^(C) and the harvesters are angels.^(D)

⁴⁰ “As the weeds are pulled up and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the age. ⁴¹ The Son of Man^(E) will send out his angels,^(F) and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. ⁴² They will throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.^{(G) 43} Then the righteous will shine like the sun^(H) in the kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears, let them hear.^(I)

³ Those who are wise^[a](A) will shine^(B) like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness,^(C) like the stars for ever and ever.^(D)

¹⁴ “You are the light of the world.^(A) A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.^{(B) 16} In the same way, let your light shine before others,^(C) that they may see your good deeds^(D) and glorify^(E) your Father in heaven.

The Fulfillment of the Law

¹⁷ “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.^{(F) 18} For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.^{(G) 19} Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands^(H) and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. ²⁰ For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.^(I)