What does the Bible say about the righteousness of the Pharisees?

In Matthew 5:20, Jesus emphasizes that unless one's righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, one will not enter the kingdom of heaven. The Pharisees were known for their strict adherence to the law and were generally respected in Jewish society as righteous individuals. However, Jesus pointed out that their righteousness was superficial, focused on outward observance rather than true heart obedience. It serves as a warning to recognize that external compliance to the law, like that practiced by the Pharisees, is insufficient for true righteousness before God.