165. Recite ye the verses of God every morn and eventide.
Baha'u'llah states that the essential "requisite" for reciting "the verses of God" is the "eagerness and love" of the believers to "read the Word of God" (Q and A 68). (236:2)

With regard to the definition of "verses of God", Baha'u'llah states that it refers to "all that hath been sent down from the Heaven of Divine Utterance". Shoghi Effendi, in a letter written to one of the believers in the East, has clarified that the term "verses of God" does not include the writings of Abdu'l-Baha; he has likewise indicated that this term does not apply to his own writings. (236:3)

166. Ye have been enjoined to renew the furnishings of your homes after the passing of each nineteen years
Baha'u'llah confirms the injunction in the Arabic Bayan regarding the renewal, every nineteen years, of the furnishings of one's home, provided one is able to do so. Abdu'l-Baha relates this ordinance to the promotion of refinement and cleanliness. He explains that the purpose of the law is that one should change those furnishings that become old, lose their lustre and provoke repugnance. It does not apply to such things as rare or treasured articles, antiques or jewellery. (236:4)

167. Wash your feet
The believers are exhorted in the Kitab-i-Aqdas to bathe regularly, to wear clean clothes and generally to be the essence of cleanliness and refinement. The Synopsis and Codification, section IV.D.3.y.i.-vii., summarizes the relevant provisions. In relation to the washing of the feet, Baha'u'llah states that it is preferable to use warm water; however, washing in cold water is also permissible (Q and A 97). (236:5)

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