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What Does the Bible Say About Hypocrisy? –  Taking Off the Mask

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Practicing Righteousness to Be Seen

Matthew 6:2-4 — “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”

We are not to do good works out of a motivation for other people to see those good works and praise us for what we have done. Our motivation should not be to get the attention of people. Here are some of the things that we may do in front of others to get recognition.

• Employees may work harder while the boss is in the office or in the room.
• People serving in church may want “front and center” roles like singing in the choir (not all people doing this want attention, but some do.)
• A cook may try to draw attention to his or her cooking to get compliments from the people he or she cooked for.
• A husband may remind his wife of all the chores he has done and make loud noises while washing dishes or doing laundry so that she will be sure to notice he is helping out.
• We may act differently or more spiritually around our Christian friends than around unbelievers.
• We may make use of Christian phrases like “praise the Lord” and “I will pray for you” to draw attention to the fact of how spiritual we are.
• We may brag about various spiritual accomplishments we have done like memorizing Scripture, reading Christian books, sharing the gospel, etc.

After the Sichuan, China earthquake of 2008 some people were posing in the newspaper with fans of money in their hands showing just how great they were to donate so much money to the needy. As Jesus says, “They have their reward in full.” Many times, parks will put the names of donors for monuments on plaques. I have seen some churches list in the bulletin or on a PowerPoint of weekly and monthly donations and the amounts given by members. How can this practice be justified in light of this Scripture? It can’t.

Application — Here are some examples of how we can apply this passage:

• When you give at church, do so secretly if possible. If your church uses an offering plate, try to be inconspicuous.
• When possible, give to others anonymously. This practice will help us guard our own motivations and make sure we are not doing it to get credit from others.
• Limit talking to others about what, who, and how much you give to.

God rewards. God knows your heart. If you do good deeds for Him with the right motivation, He will reward you. If you do it to get attention from others, He won’t.

— From our Bible study on Matthew 6:1-15

The Speck and the Log

Matthew 7:3-5 — “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”

We should not focus on other people’s sins while neglecting our own. We should always look to ourselves first. We should always examine ourselves and our own hearts and motivations first. Of course this does not mean you have to be perfect in order to correct others. It does mean that you should correct others with a humble and gracious heart. You should not adopt a “better than thou” attitude. You should not blame others and refuse to admit your own wrongdoing.

When you argue with your spouse, do you always point out their faults and ignore your own? When you teach a Bible study or preach a sermon, do you attempt to do what you tell others they should do? Sometimes we are blind to our own sins, the log in our own eyes.

Application — How can we better evaluate ourselves so that we will notice those logs and remove them? Here are some practical applications:

• • Be the first to admit you are wrong and apologize.
  • Do not be hasty to point out other people’s faults.
  • When you have disagreements with others, humbly pray and ask God to show you your own faults and deal with them.
  • From time to time ask others to evaluate your character in certain areas. They may be more likely to spot problems you didn’t notice yourself.

— From our Bible study on Matthew 7:1-12

Honoring God with Lips, Hearts Far Away

Isaiah 29:13 — “Because this people draw near with their mouth and honor me with their lips, while their hearts are far from me, and their fear of me is a commandment taught by men.”

I met a lady who came to Asia as a teacher. She told me about her church back in the States. It had rules for everything. One such rule was that ladies could not wear pants. The other family from her church who served as teachers here became very angry with her and would not associate with her because she wore pants. Other rules included using only the KJV of the Bible.

This lady was struggling under the weight of all these rules. She was confused. Certainly she was not experiencing the love of Christ from this family or this church. Traditions were imposed and sounded good and spiritual. But the people were far from God. They showed nothing of the compassion and love which Jesus showed.

In Deuteronomy 27, the Israelites agree to be under a curse if they don’t follow the entire law. They couldn’t and we can’t either. But Jesus did. Jesus took the curse so that we don’t have to. We don’t have to earn salvation by keeping the law. We are saved through faith in Christ.

Galatians 5:1 – For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.

Application — Are you following the Lord from your heart? Do you really love Him? Do you go to church because you are excited to learn more about Him or because it is a habit? We must be careful that our belief is internal, not external.

What proceeds out of the mouth defiles the man. Jesus is telling the people that following God is not about what you eat. A person’s words show what kind of person he is (or isn’t), not the food he eats.

Application — What do your words show about your heart? Do you gossip about or judge brothers or sisters who don’t hold to the same traditions you do? Do your words show a heart that is focused on worldly things? Are your words angry and loud? Or do your words show your love for and thankfulness to God?

— From our Bible study on Matthew 15:1-20

Whitewashed Tombs and Secret Sins

Matthew 23:27-28 — “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people’s bones and all uncleanness. So you also outwardly appear righteous to others, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.”

The Pharisees appeared righteous on the outside. They were careful to follow the rules. But it was faked. It did not come from a heart of love. Often their good deeds were done out of either obligation or a desire to impress others. Sadly, this description of the Pharisees is applicable to many in the church today as well.

We should be careful about doing certain things to impress others. Do not try to tell others often about the good things that you did, either the money you gave, the time you spent, or how you helped others. We need to often examine our own heart and motivation and ask why we do the things that we do. Why are you preaching or leading the study? Why are you helping with the housework? Is there any thought of impressing others or getting recognition? Make sure that the reasons you do these things are pure.

Reflect — We need to often examine our lives and make sure we have no secret sins we are harboring. Here are some examples:

• Bitterness against God for not giving us what we hoped for.
• Bitterness or lack of forgiveness against other believers.
• Pride and reliance on self instead of humble prayer and time in the Word.
• Secret addictions.
• Bad temper and anger with your family at home, but cheerful face at church.
• Unethical business practices like not paying taxes or cheating customers or cutting corners on your company’s product.
• Laziness at your home (like constant movie watching or unkempt house), but clean and good appearance when you go out.
• Swearing and complaining in your heart, but often making verbal Christian expressions like “Praise the Lord!”

It is easy to blame Bible characters for their mistakes, but we ourselves may do the same things. We blame Adam and Eve for the fall. We say that Peter lacked self control in his speech. We criticize Joseph’s brothers. But do we ever act like these people did? Do we do the same things? Many times we do. Those shortcomings are written down so that we can learn from the mistakes of others and not repeat them ourselves.

— From our Bible study on Matthew 23:13-38

Judging Others While Doing the Same Things

Romans 2:1-3 — “Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things. We know that the judgment of God rightly falls on those who practice such things. Do you suppose, O man—you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself—that you will escape the judgment of God?”

Do not be the judge. Do not use your own opinions and thoughts and standards to judge others. God is the judge. God is the one who decides what is right and wrong, not you. This does not mean that you should tolerate or turn a blind eye to other people’s sin. You can tell other people to follow God’s standards or correct them when they do not, using the clear standards in the Bible and not your own standards, ideas, or opinions.

If you tell someone else they should do something, then the odds are very good you will fail in that area someday. When you do, you will be guilty because you did not reach the standard you set for others. If you habitually judge others, then they may respond to you in like manner. There are some churches where judging others is very common. Judgmental attitudes breed more judgmental attitudes.

— From our Bible study on Romans 2:1-16

The Hypocrisy That Drives People Away

Romans 2:21-23 — “You then who teach others, do you not teach yourself? While you preach against stealing, do you steal? You who say that one must not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? You who boast in the law dishonor God by breaking the law.”

The Jews were very prideful about their religious heritage, their knowledge, the Law, and their ability to teach and enlighten those who were in the dark. They looked down on others who weren’t as religious as they were. Many “Christians” today are guilty of the same thing. We think we know the Bible, we know God’s will, we can guide others, we can teach others. Sometimes, like the Jews, we get too focused on straightening out others instead of teaching ourselves. We look at others under a microscope, but look at ourselves through a telescope.

Instead of being a light to the nations, they brought dishonor to the name of God with their evil, prideful, and hypocritical conduct. Their actions caused the Gentiles to curse God rather than believe in Him. It is “Christians” like these who give God a bad name, not only in America, but everywhere around the globe. We are supposed to bring glory to God’s name through our actions, but instead are often a bad testimony and influence people to reject God.

Reflect — If we are prideful or rude or hypocritical it will have this effect. Hypocrisy is probably the number one given reason why unbelievers are not willing to go to church in the US and a lot of times it is a valid complaint.

— From our Bible study on Romans 2:17-29

Peter’s Hypocrisy at Antioch

Galatians 2:11-14 — “But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. For before certain men came from James, he was eating with the Gentiles; but when they came he drew back and separated himself, fearing the circumcision party. And the rest of the Jews acted hypocritically along with him, so that even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy. But when I saw that their conduct was not in step with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas before them all, ‘If you, though a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you force the Gentiles to live like Jews?'”

Peter knew the truth. He knew that Gentiles and Jews were both saved by the grace of God. And yet, for a time, he was still unwilling to associate with the Gentiles by eating with them. Why? It’s simple. Peter was influenced by peer pressure. A group of people had gone to Antioch from Jerusalem. They pressured Peter, and he gave in to them. In this case, he chose to please people rather than please God. From this, we learn several lessons:

• No one is immune to peer pressure. Peter was not the type of person who typically cared a lot about what others thought of him. He was the boldest of his “class.” Peter’s failure reminds us that we are not immune, either.
• Past success is not a guarantee of future success. In Acts 10, Peter was victorious. Through God’s grace, he rose above his culture and traditions. It would seem that Peter won a final victory against his temptation to show prejudice. But it wasn’t a final victory. We must remain humble and depend on God’s grace each and every moment, no matter how many times we face the same temptations.
• Satan uses other people to tempt us. Sometimes they merely whisper to us, “It’s okay. No one will see you. No one will know.” Other times they may gang up on us so that a whole crowd is trying to convince us to do something.
• Even professing believers may pressure us. It is possible that churchgoers may also pressure us in certain areas. Many times, it is because those believers are shallow in their faith and influenced by worldly ideas themselves.

Application — Do not be in a “clique” like Peter. Do not just hang out with the same friends every time and ignore others who are not “worthy” to be in your circle or whom you think you have less in common with. Think how you can reach out to others. Take the initiative to invite others to your group, to eat with newcomers.

I heard a sad story of a lady who took her daughter with her to church. There were about one hundred people. No one said “hello” to her. She and her daughter were there for the first time, and they were ignored. Unfortunately, in many churches, newcomers are ignored. It is easier for us to hang out with people we know.

— From our Bible study on Galatians 2:11-21

Faith Without Works Is Dead

James 2:14-17 — “What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, be warmed and filled,’ without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”

A needy brother or sister comes to you for help. He lacks even the most basic human needs, clothing and food. Perhaps you feel genuinely sorry for this person. You even pronounce a blessing, “Go in peace, be warmed and well fed.” Then you send them on their way and perhaps even say “I will be praying for you.” Wow! You are so spiritual! Your words sound so holy! But you did not help this person. The words are empty. The person who treats his brother or sister like this is a hypocrite. He pretends care. He may even trick himself into thinking he truly cares for this person. But actions speak louder than words. His lack of action proves his lack of real love for this person.

Let me give another illustration. As you know, I am married. My wife’s name is Christy. When I married Christy, I told her, “I will love you until I die.” But I don’t stop there, every morning when I wake up, I turn to Christy, “I love you!” But there is no action. Christy asks me to help watch the boys, “I am busy.” Christy asks me to help with the dishes, “I am tired.” Christy wants to spend time with me, “I am watching TV.” Christy is discouraged and wants to talk about it, “Don’t be so emotional.” I get home from work, “Where’s my dinner.” I eat dinner, “Why is it cold?” Christy asks how is my day, “fine.” Finally it is time to sleep. Me: “I love you!”

Reflect — How does Christy feel? Does she feel that my love is real? Of course not. If I acted like that, every time I say “I love you” she would just feel annoyed. This love is dead. I may say that I love her, but in reality I don’t.

A profession of faith or a statement, “I believe in God” does not necessarily indicate saving faith. There are over 2 billion people in the world who claim to be Christian. Are they all Christians? James would say to look at the fruit.

— From our Bible study on Faith Without Works Is Dead

Ananias and Sapphira

Acts 5:1-2 — “But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, and with his wife’s knowledge he kept back for himself some of the proceeds and brought only a part of it and laid it at the apostles’ feet.”

Ananias observed how the other believers were selling property and donating the proceeds to God. This practice was surely commended, and those who did so were held in high esteem. It seems that Ananias wanted to get in on it and receive praise and admiration from man. Most likely, they were genuine believers who fell into temptation. They likely wanted to serve God by giving something to Him. But they also desired to look spiritual and righteous before men. That desire caused them to deceive others and give a false impression about how spiritual and devoted they were.

Reflect — Which of us can say that we have never tried to impress others with our dedication to God or some good deed we have done? Which of us has never covered over sin because we didn’t want to look bad in front of our family or friends?

The text indicates this was Ananias’ plan, but that Sapphira went along with it. Sapphira should have taken a stand on what is right. She should have counseled her husband not to commit this sin. Sapphira could have, therefore, saved her husband’s life and her own by standing up for what was right. Little did she know that her cooperation would be so disastrous.

Reflect — Are you influencing your spouse to be a better follower of Jesus? Or are you actively bringing about temptations for your spouse or enabling sinful behavior?

Acts 5:3-4 — “But Peter said, ‘Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to man but to God.'”

Satan is not omnipresent. Not every temptation is a direct result of Satan. He shows up in critical situations. Here, Satan was sowing the same seeds of spiritual pride in the early church that had misled entire generations of Jewish spiritual leaders, leaders who cared more about their own reputation than they did for the people. Where God is working, Satan is also likely working.

— From our Bible study on Acts 5:1-11

Walking in the Light, Not Hypocrisy

1 John 1:6 — “If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.”

This verse clearly teaches that a real relationship with Christ will affect how we live. We cannot walk in darkness and have a relationship with Christ at the same time. This doesn’t mean that we never sin. Everyone sins, but then confession brings restoration. The word “walk” shows a continual thing, a habit. No person is perfect. We cannot always do what is right, but do we practice what is right? Is it a habit for us to tell the truth or to lie? Is it a habit to be diligent or to be lazy? Is it a habit to be on time or to be late? We should closely evaluate our own lives to see if we are making a habit out of doing right or if we have a habit of sinning.

A title for this verse could be “don’t be hypocrites.” Don’t just go to church and act good and nice and pretend everything is fine and we are a “good Christian” and then go home and engage in secret sins while no one is looking. If we are doing this we are a hypocrite like the Pharisees. We are deceiving ourselves.

Reflect — Are you keeping His Word, or are you being a hypocrite? Every one of us needs to ask ourselves that question.

There is hope. We were all walkers in darkness at one point. The blood of Christ, however, can change all that. His blood cleanses us from all sin. Because of it we can have true fellowship with one another and with God.

— From our Bible study on 1 John 1

We hope you enjoyed this Bible study on hypocrisy. May God use His Word to speak into your life and give you strength to follow it. Please take some time to reflect on the questions below and consider leaving a comment with your key takeaway or insight.

Reflection Questions

• Why does Jesus call the Pharisees hypocrites?
• Share your thoughts on the statement that “Man looks at the outside, but God looks at the heart.”
• What are some major causes of hypocrisy?
• What can we learn from how a perfect Jesus interacted with sinners?
• What are spiritual things a person might do today to try to impress others? What is the proper motivation for doing good?
• Why do we often feel the need to impress others?
• How can we make sure our heart is in the right place when we keep traditions? What should we do if a tradition is distracting us from true worship?