Matthew Henry Commentary Luke 20:39-47

"And certain of the scribes answering said, Teacher, thou hast well said. For they durst not any more ask him any question. And he said unto them, How say they that the Christ is David`s son? For David himself saith in the book of Psalms, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, Till I make thine enemies the footstool of thy feet. David therefore calleth him Lord, and how is he his son? And in the hearing of all the people he said unto his disciples, Beware of the scribes, who desire to walk in long robes, and love salutations in the marketplaces, and chief seats in the synagogues, and chief places at feasts; who devour widows` houses, and for a pretence make long prayers: these shall receive greater condemnation." — Luke 20:39-47 (ASV)

The scribes commended the reply Christ made to the Sadducees about the resurrection, but they were silenced by a question concerning the Messiah. Christ, as God, was David's Lord; but Christ, as man, was David's son.

The scribes would receive the severest judgment for defrauding the poor widows and for their abuse of religion, particularly of prayer, which they used as a pretense for carrying on worldly and wicked plans. Hypocritical piety is a double sin.

Then let us pray to God to keep us from pride, ambition, covetousness, and every evil thing, and to teach us to seek the honor that comes from him alone.