Topical Encyclopedia The Bible frequently addresses the character of the wicked, often highlighting hypocrisy as a defining trait. Hypocrisy, in a biblical context, refers to the act of pretending to have virtues, moral or religious beliefs, principles, etc., that one does not actually possess. It is a form of deceit and insincerity that is condemned throughout Scripture.Old Testament Insights The Old Testament provides numerous examples and warnings against hypocrisy. In the book of Isaiah, the prophet rebukes the people of Israel for their insincere worship: "The Lord said: 'These people draw near to Me with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. Their worship of Me is but rules taught by men'" (Isaiah 29:13). Here, the outward appearance of devotion is contrasted with the inward reality of a heart distant from God. Similarly, in the book of Psalms, the psalmist describes the wicked as those who speak deceitfully: "His speech is smooth as butter, yet war is in his heart; his words are softer than oil, yet they are drawn swords" (Psalm 55:21). This imagery captures the essence of hypocrisy—words that appear gentle and kind, masking a heart filled with malice. New Testament Teachings The New Testament continues to address the issue of hypocrisy, particularly in the teachings of Jesus. The Pharisees and religious leaders of His time are often depicted as epitomes of hypocrisy. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus warns, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence" (Matthew 23:25). This critique underscores the discrepancy between external religious observance and internal moral corruption. Jesus further admonishes against hypocritical judgment in the Sermon on the Mount: "Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but fail to notice the beam in your own eye? You hypocrite! First take the beam out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye" (Matthew 7:3, 5). This teaching highlights the importance of self-examination and sincerity before passing judgment on others. Apostolic Writings The apostolic writings also address hypocrisy among believers. The Apostle Paul warns against insincere love in his letter to the Romans: "Love must be sincere. Detest what is evil; cling to what is good" (Romans 12:9). Here, Paul emphasizes the need for genuine love that is free from pretense and deceit. In his epistle, James speaks against the duplicity of speech, stating, "Out of the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, this should not be!" (James 3:10). This admonition reflects the broader biblical theme that true righteousness is consistent in both word and deed. Conclusion The Bible consistently portrays hypocrisy as a hallmark of the wicked, contrasting it with the sincerity and integrity expected of the righteous. Through the teachings of the prophets, Jesus, and the apostles, Scripture calls for a life of authenticity, where one's actions align with their professed beliefs. Nave's Topical Index Isaiah 29:13Why the Lord said, For as much as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honor me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men: Nave's Topical Index 2 Timothy 3:5 Library The Character of Christ's People Of the Five Sacraments, Falsely So Called. Their Spuriousness ... The Wicked Man's Life, Funeral, and Epitaph Letter xi. Mental Cultivation. Reading. Concerning John of Gichala. Josephus Uses Stratagems against the ... Hypocrisy Theodore Parker. Article xxiii (xi): of the Marriage of Priests. Bourdaloue -- the Passion of Christ Do are Then Make Void the Law through Faith? God Forbid; Yea, we ... Resources What does the Bible say about Christian character? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the character of God? | GotQuestions.org How does bad company corrupt good character (1 Corinthians 15:33)? | GotQuestions.org Character: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Character of Saints: Attentive to Christ's Voice Character of Saints: Blameless and Harmless Character of Saints: Fearing God Character of Saints: Following Christ Character of Saints: Guileless Character of Saints: Hungering After Righteousness Character of Saints: Hungering for Righteousness Character of Saints: Led by the Spirit Character of Saints: Loathing Themselves Character of Saints: New Creatures Character of Saints: Poor in Spirit Character of Saints: Pure in Heart Character of Saints: Righteous Character of Saints: Steadfast Character of Saints: Taught by God Character of Saints: Taught of God Character of Saints: Undefiled Character of Saints: Zealous of Good Works Character of the Wicked: Abominable Character of the Wicked: Alienated from God Character of the Wicked: Blasphemous Character of the Wicked: Blinded Character of the Wicked: Boastful Character of the Wicked: Conspiring Against God's People Character of the Wicked: Conspiring Against Saints Character of the Wicked: Corrupt Character of the Wicked: Covetous Character of the Wicked: Deceitful Character of the Wicked: Delighting in the Iniquity of Others Character of the Wicked: Despising Saints Character of the Wicked: Despising the Works of the Faithful Character of the Wicked: Destructive Character of the Wicked: Disobedient Character of the Wicked: Enticing to Evil Character of the Wicked: Envious Character of the Wicked: Evildoers Character of the Wicked: Fearful Character of the Wicked: Fierce Character of the Wicked: Foolish Character of the Wicked: Forgetting God Character of the Wicked: Fraudulent Character of the Wicked: Froward Character of the Wicked: Glorying in Their Shame Character of the Wicked: Hard-Hearted Character of the Wicked: Hating the Light Character of the Wicked: Heady and High-Minded Character of the Wicked: Hostile to God Character of the Wicked: Hypocritical Character of the Wicked: Ignorant of God Character of the Wicked: Impudent Character of the Wicked: Incontinent Character of the Wicked: Infidel Character of the Wicked: Loathsome Character of the Wicked: Lovers of Pleasure More than of God Character of the Wicked: Lovers of Pleasure, not of God Character of the Wicked: Lying Character of the Wicked: Mischievous Character of the Wicked: Murderous Character of the Wicked: Persecuting Character of the Wicked: Perverse Character of the Wicked: Prayerless Character of the Wicked: Proud Character of the Wicked: Rebellious Character of the Wicked: Rejoicing in the Affliction of Saints Character of the Wicked: Reprobate Character of the Wicked: Selfish Character of the Wicked: Sensual Character of the Wicked: Sold Under Sin Character of the Wicked: Stiff-Hearted Character of the Wicked: Stiff-Necked Character of the Wicked: Uncircumcised in Heart Character of the Wicked: Unclean Character of the Wicked: Ungodly Character of the Wicked: Unholy Character of the Wicked: Unjust Character of the Wicked: Unmerciful Character of the Wicked: Unprofitable Character of the Wicked: Unruly Character of the Wicked: Unthankful Character of the Wicked: Untoward Character of the Wicked: Unwise Character: Defamation of, Punished Character: Firmness: Joseph in Resisting Potiphar's Wife Character: Instability: Israelites Character: Instability: Pharaoh Character: Instability: Reuben Character: Instability: Solomon Character: Revealed in Countenance Physiognomy: (External Aspect)): Character Revealed In Related Terms |
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