Genesis 48:
In this chapter, Jacob blesses Joseph's two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, adopting them as his own sons, which elevates their status to that of the founders of tribes within Israel. Despite Joseph's attempt to have his firstborn, Manasseh, receive the greater blessing, Jacob intentionally crosses his hands and places his right hand on Ephraim, the younger son, signifying a greater blessing. Jacob prophesies that Ephraim will become greater than Manasseh. This act continues the theme of the younger son receiving the prominence over the elder, a recurring motif in Genesis.

Psalm 55:9-15:
In these verses, the psalmist pleads with God to confound and divide the tongues of those who cause violence and strife in the city. The city is depicted as full of wickedness, deceit, and corruption. The psalmist feels deeply betrayed, especially since the hostility comes from a former friend with whom he once enjoyed close fellowship. This betrayal adds a poignant layer of personal pain to the psalmist's lament.

Proverbs 17:26:
This proverb condemns the unjust punishment of the innocent and the imposition of fines on the righteous, highlighting it as not only inappropriate but also as morally offensive.

Proverbs 18:5:
This verse criticizes showing favoritism to the guilty by denying justice to the innocent, underscoring the importance of fairness and integrity in legal judgments.

Matthew 23:1-22:
Jesus criticizes the scribes and Pharisees in a scathing rebuke for their hypocrisy and legalism. He accuses them of placing unbearable religious demands on others while not practicing what they preach. Jesus condemns their actions in matters like swearing by the temple and the altar, emphasizing the spiritual blindness and inconsistency in their understanding of what is more significant in the law.

Mark 12:38-40 and Luke 20:45-47:
These passages recount Jesus warning the crowd and His disciples about the scribes who enjoy public accolades and social privileges while exploiting the vulnerable, particularly widows. He criticizes their long prayers made for show, indicating that such hypocrisy will lead to greater condemnation.