The Bible condemns hypocrisy, particularly in religious leaders who outwardly appear pious but are full of wickedness internally.
The Bible speaks strongly against hypocrisy, especially as illustrated in Matthew 23 where Jesus publicly denounces the Scribes and Pharisees. He criticizes them for their outward expressions of piety, such as wearing flowing robes and praying long prayers, while they are actually devouring widows' homes and leading lives filled with wickedness. This behavior deeply angered Christ, who viewed hypocrisy as one of the gravest sins, leading to His frequent and fierce condemnations. His warnings highlight the importance of being genuine in faith and practice, as hypocrisy directly contradicts the essence of true Christianity.
Scripture References:
Matthew 23:13-33, Luke 20:46-47, Romans 2:17-29, Matthew 23:25-28, Job 27:8, Matthew 6:2, Matthew 23:13-28, John 8, Galatians 1, Luke 18:9-14, Luke 11:39-40, Luke 12:1-3
Commentary