The Pharisees had exalted the first four commandments, which point out the duty of man to his Maker, as of far greater consequence than the other six, which define man's duty to his fellow man. As the result, 607 they greatly failed of practical godliness. Jesus had shown the people their great deficiency, and had taught the necessity of good works, declaring that the tree is known by its fruits. For this reason He had been charged with exalting the last six commandments above the first four.

Farisæerne havde lovprist de første fire bud, der fremhæver menneskets pligter over for dets skaber, som værende af langt større vigtighed end de andre seks, som beskriver menneskets pligter over for dets medmennesker. Som følge heraf manglede de i høj grad den praktiske form for gudsfrygt. Jesus havde vist folket deres store ufuldkommenhed og havde lært dem betydningen af gode gerninger ved at forkynde, at træet kendes på sine frugter. Af denne årsag var han blevet beskyldt for at ophøje de sidste seks bud over de fire første.