In this parable, Jesus explains how it’s not what goes into our mouth that defiles us, but rather what comes out of it. In Jesus’ time, the reputation of the Pharisees held much weight among the people. They were known for their teaching, strict adherence to the law, and acts of piousness. Part of that adherence to the law was following a very strict set of eating habits to remain undefiled. Jesus is combating hypocrisy here, saying that their extreme acts of piousness do not make them righteous because the false teachings they were spreading defiled them. Jesus is teaching that one must be careful with their words, spreading only sound doctrine. Editor’s note: Doctrine matters! Knowing and speaking the truth of God’s Word correctly is much more important than extreme acts of religious sacrifice.
Parable of the Heart of Man Meaning
The Parable of the Heart of Man meaning can be found in Matthew 15:10-20:
Matthew 15:10-20
“And he called the multitude, and said unto them, Hear, and understand: Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man. Then came his disciples, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying? But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up. Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch. Then answered Peter and said unto him, Declare unto us this parable. And Jesus said, Are ye also yet without understanding? Do not ye yet understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth goeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught? But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man.”
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