⁴ But there were some who were indignant among themselves, saying, "Why has this ointment been wasted?

⁴ Then Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, one of his disciples, who would betray him, said,

⁵ "Why wasn't this ointment sold for three hundred denarii,{300 denarii was about a year's wages for an agricultural laborer.} and given to the poor?"

⁸ But when his disciples saw this, they were indignant, saying, "Why this waste?

⁹ For this ointment might have been sold for much, and given to the poor."

⁴ Then I saw all the labor and achievement that is the envy of a man's neighbor. This also is vanity and a striving after wind.

⁴ When you vow a vow to God, don't defer to pay it; for he has no pleasure in fools. Pay that which you vow.

⁵ It is better that you should not vow, than that you should vow and not pay.

⁶ Don't allow your mouth to lead you into sin. Don't protest before the messenger that this was a mistake. Why should God be angry at your voice, and destroy the work of your hands?

⁷ For in the multitude of dreams there are vanities, as well as in many words: but you must fear God.

⁸ If you see the oppression of the poor, and the violent taking away of justice and righteousness in a district, don't marvel at the matter: for one official is eyed by a higher one; and there are officials over them.

¹² "But you profane it, in that you say, 'Yahweh's table is polluted, and its fruit, even its food, is contemptible.'

¹³ You say also, 'Behold, what a weariness it is!' and you have sniffed at it," says Yahweh of Hosts; "and you have brought that which was taken by violence, the lame, and the sick; thus you bring the offering. Should I accept this at your hand?" says Yahweh.