25
But what went ye out to see? a man clothed in delicate garments? Behold, those who are in splendid clothing and live luxuriously are in the courts of kings.
26
But what went ye out to see? a prophet? Yea, I say to you, and [what is] more excellent than a prophet.
27
This is he concerning whom it is written, Behold, *I* send my messenger before thy face, who shall prepare thy way before thee;
28
for I say unto you, Among them that are born of women a greater [prophet] is no one than John [the baptist]; but he who is a little one in the kingdom of God is greater than he.
29
(And all the people who heard [it], and the tax-gatherers, justified God, having been baptised with the baptism of John;
30
but the Pharisees and the lawyers rendered null as to themselves the counsel of God, not having been baptised by him.)
31
To whom therefore shall I liken the men of this generation, and to whom are they like?
32
They are like children sitting in the market-place, and calling one to another and saying, We have piped to you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned to you, and ye have not wept.
33
For John the baptist has come neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and ye say, He has a demon.
34
The Son of man has come eating and drinking, and ye say, Behold an eater and wine-drinker, a friend of tax-gatherers and sinners;
35
and wisdom has been justified of all her children.