But God says to the wicked, "Why should you recite my commandments? Why should you talk about my covenant?

You become the friend of every thief you see, and you associate with adulterers.

You are ready to accuse your own relatives and to find fault with them.

Wickedness and violence are like food and drink to them.

Better to eat vegetables with people you love than to eat the finest meat where there is hate.

Better to eat a dry crust of bread with peace of mind than have a banquet in a house full of trouble.

Do what is right and fair; that pleases the LORD more than bringing him sacrifices.

The LORD hates it when wicked people offer him sacrifices, especially if they do it from evil motives.

He says, "Do you think I want all these sacrifices you keep offering to me? I have had more than enough of the sheep you burn as sacrifices and of the fat of your fine animals. I am tired of the blood of bulls and sheep and goats.

It's useless to bring your offerings. I am disgusted with the smell of the incense you burn. I cannot stand your New Moon Festivals, your Sabbaths, and your religious gatherings; they are all corrupted by your sins.

"When you lift your hands in prayer, I will not look at you. No matter how much you pray, I will not listen, for your hands are covered with blood.

And when they ate and drank, it was for their own satisfaction."

Early in the morning Jesus was taken from Caiaphas' house to the governor's palace. The Jewish authorities did not go inside the palace, for they wanted to keep themselves ritually clean, in order to be able to eat the Passover meal.