How can we identify false religion according to the Bible?

The Bible warns about false religion, particularly through Jesus' teachings in Matthew 23, where he condemns the hypocrisy of the scribes and Pharisees. They give advice on moral living yet fail to practice it themselves, and they prioritize outward appearances over genuine righteousness. This falsehood is marked by a lack of true love for God and others, a focus on titles and religious stature, and an absence of mercy and faith. True religion, in contrast, humbles itself and seeks to live in accordance with God's truth, emphasizing the heart of the law: love and mercy.