“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to them.

But above all pursue his kingdom and righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

So Jesus replied to him, “Let it happen now, for it is right for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John yielded to him.

For I tell you, unless your righteousness goes beyond that of the experts in the law and the Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

“Be careful not to display your righteousness merely to be seen by people. Otherwise you have no reward with your Father in heaven.

For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him. But the tax collectors and prostitutes did believe. Although you saw this, you did not later change your minds and believe him.