Matthew 12:14 - Clarke's commentary and critical notes on the Bible

Then the Pharisees went out, and held a council against him, how they might destroy him. Held a council against him - Nothing sooner leads to utter blindness, and hardness of heart, than envy. There are many who abandon themselves to pleasure-taking and debauchery on the Sabbath, who condemn a poor man whom necessity obliges to work on what is termed a holiday, or a national fast.