The concept of the "glory of hypocrites turned to shame" is a recurring theme in the Bible, highlighting the ultimate downfall and disgrace that awaits those who live in hypocrisy. This theme underscores the biblical principle that God values sincerity and truth over outward appearances and deceitful practices.

Biblical References

One of the primary references to this theme is found in the book of Job. Job, in his discourse on the fate of the wicked, states, "The triumph of the wicked is brief, and the joy of the godless lasts but a moment. Though his arrogance reaches the heavens, and his head touches the clouds, he will perish forever, like his own dung; those who have seen him will ask, 'Where is he?'" (Job 20:5-7). This passage illustrates the fleeting nature of the hypocrite's glory, which is ultimately replaced by shame and oblivion.

In the New Testament, Jesus frequently addresses the issue of hypocrisy, particularly among the religious leaders of His time. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus warns, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of impurity" (Matthew 23:27). Here, Jesus exposes the superficial righteousness of the hypocrites, whose external glory is contrasted with their internal corruption.

The Nature of Hypocrisy

Hypocrisy, in the biblical sense, involves a pretense of virtue or religious devotion that is not matched by one's true character or actions. It is a form of deceit that seeks to gain honor and respect from others while concealing one's true motives or sins. The Bible consistently condemns such behavior, emphasizing that God sees beyond outward appearances and judges the heart.

Consequences of Hypocrisy

The Scriptures make it clear that the glory of hypocrites is temporary and ultimately leads to shame. Proverbs 11:2 states, "When pride comes, disgrace follows, but with humility comes wisdom" . This proverb highlights the inevitable downfall that accompanies pride and hypocrisy, contrasting it with the honor that comes from humility and sincerity.

The Apostle Paul also addresses the issue of hypocrisy in his letters. In Romans 2:3, he writes, "So when you, O man, pass judgment on others, yet do the same things yourself, do you think you will escape God’s judgment?" . Paul warns that those who judge others while practicing the same sins will not escape the shame and judgment of God.

The Call to Authenticity

The Bible calls believers to live authentically, aligning their actions with their professed beliefs. James 1:22 exhorts, "Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves" . This call to action emphasizes the importance of genuine faith that is demonstrated through righteous living.

In summary, the theme of the glory of hypocrites turned to shame serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of integrity and authenticity in the Christian life. The Bible consistently teaches that while hypocrites may enjoy temporary glory, their ultimate end is one of shame and disgrace before God.Hosea 4:7
As they were increased, so they sinned against me: therefore will I change their glory into shame.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Necessity of Contemplating the Judgment-Seat of God, in Order to ...
... Bernard's purpose was to alarm hypocrites, who turned the ... integrity is pollution;
what deemed glory is ignominy ... sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one ...
/.../chapter 12 necessity of contemplating.htm

The Season of Epiphany.
... glory at the wedding feast, when He turned the water ... a lie." Now was not this future
glory shadowed forth ... with all the people[9];" while hypocrites and "liars ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol vii/sermon vi the season of.htm

Of the Works which God Works in all in Common and of Five Kinds of ...
... The fifth kind of sinners are those hypocrites who do outward good works, not for
the glory of God ... from without, within they are false and turned away from ...
/.../john/the adornment of the spritual marriage/chapter v of the works.htm

The Likeness of God
... and evil, it can be converted, and turned back again ... he is the brightness of God's
glory, and the ... indignation also against oppressors and hypocrites who bound ...
/.../kingsley/the gospel of the pentateuch/sermon ii the likeness of.htm

The Way to God
... "The wicked shall be turned into hell ... is their belly, their own lusts; and they glory
in their ... will discover at once, that they are greater hypocrites than the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the way to god.htm

Jesus About his Father's Business
... up against him on account of pride and vain glory. ... Woe unto you, Scribes and Pharisees,
hypocrites! ... Mine heart is turned within me, my repentings are kindled ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/jesus about his fathers business.htm

Let Him Deliver Him Now
... of sin, since even the Prince of Glory, when bearing ... Even though, with malicious
cruelty, they turned it into a ... in his heart, "There may be hypocrites in the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 34 1888/let him deliver him now.htm

False Professors Solemnly Warned
... whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in ... a steep acclivity, and when the
commander turned his eye ... It is when Satan makes hypocrites that he brings the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/false professors solemnly warned.htm

Twenty-Seven Articles Respecting the Reformation of the Christian ...
... for so many years been turned into means of gaining a ... salvation of souls; but like
all the Papal hypocrites, they seek only their own glory, profit and ...
/.../iii twenty-seven articles respecting the.htm

An Earnest Warning About Lukewarmness
... Christians are all hypocrites!" I fear there are churches of ... the coming of Christ,
no eye for his glory. ... being armed and carrying bows they turned their backs ...
/.../spurgeons sermons volume 20 1874/an earnest warning about lukewarmness.htm

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Glory: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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