²⁰ for Herod ^(A)feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he kept him safe. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed, and yet he ^(B)heard him gladly.

^31 (A)And they come to you as people come, and they sit before you as my people, and they hear what you say but they will not do it; for ^(B)with lustful talk in their mouths they act; their heart is set on their gain. ³² And behold, you are to them like one who sings lustful songs with a beautiful voice and ^(C)plays^[a] well on an instrument, for ^(D)they hear what you say, but they will not do it.

³⁵ He was a burning and ^(A)shining lamp, and ^(B)you were willing to rejoice for a while in his light.