In the military we had a term that we called “square fillers.” We would have a check-list of requirements and before each requirement or inspection item, there would be printed a little square . When each requirement was completed, you would check off the appropriate square.
The term came to mean meeting minimum requirements. You “fill the squares,” accomplished only what was necessary, and then it was time to do something else.
This term was applied to when you were up for promotion. The question asked was “Did you fill all the squares?” If so, then you were eligible to be promoted.
The Pharisees and Scribes were “square fillers.” They insured that every “T” was crossed and every “I” was dotted, but their hearts were far from God. They were outwardly righteous. they filled all the squares. They were like white-washed tombs on the outside, but on the inside they were full of dead men’s bones. Matthew 23:27-28