³¹ But the Lord said,{So reads TR. MT omits "But the Lord said,"} "To what then will I liken the people of this generation? What are they like?

¹⁶ "But to what shall I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces, who call to their companions

¹⁷ and say, 'We played the flute for you, and you didn't dance. We mourned for you, and you didn't lament.'

¹⁸ For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, 'He has a demon.'

¹⁹ The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Behold, a gluttonous man and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!' But wisdom is justified by her children."

¹³ What shall I testify to you? what shall I liken to you, daughter of Jerusalem? What shall I compare to you, that I may comfort you, virgin daughter of Zion? For your breach is great like the sea: who can heal you?

³⁰ He said, "How will we liken the Kingdom of God? Or with what parable will we illustrate it?