In this article, we will explain to you what does the Bible say about hypocrisy and also share some of the most important KJV Bible verses related to hypocrisy.
What Does The Bible Say About Hypocrisy?
Hypocrisy is a common theme throughout the Bible, with numerous passages condemning those who claim to follow God but do not live out their faith in their actions. Jesus himself denounced hypocrisy and often confronted religious leaders who were guilty of it.
In the book of Matthew, Jesus addresses the Pharisees, a group known for their strict adherence to religious laws but who often lacked true faith and compassion. In Matthew 23:27-28, Jesus says, “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean. In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.”
This passage highlights the danger of hypocrisy, as it can lead to a false sense of righteousness and ultimately distance one from God. Throughout the Bible, hypocrisy is equated with deceit, wickedness, and arrogance, all of which are qualities that are not in line with the teachings of Jesus.
In the book of James, the author also addresses the issue of hypocrisy, stating in James 1:22, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” This verse emphasizes the importance of living out one’s faith in action, rather than simply professing belief without any corresponding behavior.
As Christians, it is important to examine our own lives and ensure that our actions align with our beliefs. Hypocrisy not only damages our relationship with God but also undermines our witness to others. Instead, we are called to live authentically, demonstrating love, mercy, and grace to those around us. Ultimately, the Bible teaches us that true faith is evidenced by our actions, not just our words.
KJV Bible Verses on hypocrisy
Here are the top 10 KJV Bible Verses on hypocrisy:
1. Matthew 23:13 – “But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.”
2. Matthew 7:5 – “Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.”
3. Matthew 23:28 – “Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.”
4. Luke 12:1 – “Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.”
5. Romans 12:9 – “Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.”
6. James 1:22 – “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.”
7. 1 Peter 2:1 – “Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,”
8. Galatians 2:13 – “And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation.”
9. 1 John 4:20 – “If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?”
10. Proverbs 11:9 – “An hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his neighbour: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered.”