14 ⁷ When he noticed how the guests were trying to secure the places of honour, he spoke to them in a parable: 14 ⁸ 'When you are asked by someone to a wedding-feast, do not sit down in the place of honour. 14 ⁹ It may be that some person more distinguished than yourself has been invited; and the host will come and say to you, "Give this man your seat." 14 ¹⁰ Then you will look foolish as you begin to take the lowest place. No, when you receive an invitation, go and sit down in the lowest place, so that when your host comes he will say, "Come up higher, my friend." Then all your fellow-guests will see the respect in which you are held. 14 ¹¹ For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled; and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.'

14 ¹² Then he said to his host, 'When you are having a party for lunch or supper, do not invite your friends, your brothers or other relations, or your rich neighbours; they will only ask you back again and so you will be repaid. 14 ¹³ But when you give a party, ask the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind; and so find happiness. 14 ¹⁴ For they have no means of repaying you; but you will be repaid on the day when good men rise from the dead.'