Overview:
False fasting, as criticized in the Bible, refers to the practice of fasting with improper motives or in a manner that is not pleasing to God. This concept is addressed in several passages where the outward act of fasting is contrasted with the inward spiritual condition and intentions of the heart. The Bible emphasizes that true fasting is not merely an external ritual but a sincere act of humility and repentance before God.

Key Biblical Passages:

1. Isaiah 58:3-7 :
In this passage, the Israelites question why their fasting has not been acknowledged by God. The Lord responds by highlighting their hypocrisy: "Why have we fasted, and You have not seen? Why have we humbled ourselves, and You have not noticed?" (Isaiah 58:3). God criticizes their fasting because it is accompanied by unjust actions, such as exploitation and quarreling. He calls for a fast that involves loosening the chains of injustice, setting the oppressed free, sharing food with the hungry, and providing shelter to the homeless. This passage underscores that true fasting is inseparable from righteous living and compassion.

2. Zechariah 7:5-6 :
The prophet Zechariah conveys God's message to the people regarding their fasting during the fifth and seventh months: "Ask all the people of the land and the priests: ‘When you fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh months for these seventy years, was it really for Me that you fasted? And when you were eating and drinking, were you not doing so simply for yourselves?’" (Zechariah 7:5-6). This passage reveals that the people's fasting was self-centered rather than God-centered, highlighting the importance of aligning one's heart with God's purposes.

3. Matthew 6:16-18 :
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus addresses the issue of fasting with the wrong motives: "When you fast, do not be somber like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they already have their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that your fasting will not be obvious to men, but only to your Father, who is unseen. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you" (Matthew 6:16-18). Jesus teaches that fasting should be a private act of devotion to God, not a public display for human approval.

Theological Implications:

False fasting is a reflection of a broader biblical theme concerning the authenticity of worship and devotion. The Bible consistently calls for a heart that is genuinely turned toward God, rather than mere external compliance with religious practices. True fasting is an expression of humility, repentance, and a desire to align one's life with God's will. It involves a transformation of the heart that leads to righteous actions and a deepened relationship with God.

Practical Applications:

Believers are encouraged to examine their motives when engaging in fasting or any spiritual discipline. The focus should be on seeking God's presence and aligning one's life with His purposes. Fasting should be accompanied by acts of justice, mercy, and love, reflecting the character of God. By doing so, believers can ensure that their fasting is a true expression of worship and devotion, pleasing to the Lord.