In the biblical context, the term "hypocrite" refers to individuals who profess beliefs, virtues, or feelings that they do not genuinely hold, often to deceive others. The Bible frequently addresses the destructive nature of hypocrisy, particularly when it manifests through slander—a malicious act of spreading false or damaging statements about others.

Biblical References to Hypocrisy and Slander

The Bible provides numerous warnings against hypocrisy and slander, emphasizing the moral and spiritual dangers they pose. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus Christ frequently rebukes the Pharisees and scribes for their hypocritical behavior. He criticizes them for outwardly appearing righteous while harboring corruption within. In Matthew 23:27-28 , Jesus declares, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you 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. In the same way, on the outside you appear to be righteous, but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness."

Slander, as a tool of the hypocrite, is condemned throughout Scripture. The Book of Proverbs highlights the destructive power of the tongue, stating in Proverbs 10:18 , "The one who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool." This verse underscores the foolishness and moral bankruptcy of those who engage in slanderous behavior, often under the guise of righteousness.

The Impact of Slander

Slander is a potent weapon in the hands of a hypocrite, capable of causing significant harm to individuals and communities. It can destroy reputations, sow discord, and create divisions within the body of Christ. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, frequently warns against such behavior. In Ephesians 4:31 , he exhorts believers to "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice." This admonition reflects the understanding that slander is incompatible with the Christian call to love and unity.

James, the brother of Jesus, also addresses the issue of slander in his epistle. In James 4:11 , he writes, "Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges it." This passage highlights the gravity of slander, equating it with a violation of God's law and a usurpation of divine judgment.

The Hypocrite's Motive

The hypocrite's use of slander often stems from a desire to elevate oneself by diminishing others. This behavior is rooted in pride and self-righteousness, as the hypocrite seeks to maintain an appearance of moral superiority. Jesus addresses this motive in the Sermon on the Mount, warning against judging others hypocritically. In Matthew 7:3-5 , He states, "Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but fail to notice the beam in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ while there is still a 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."

The Call to Righteousness

The Bible calls believers to a standard of righteousness that rejects hypocrisy and slander. True righteousness involves integrity, humility, and a commitment to truth. The Apostle Peter encourages Christians to "rid yourselves of all malice and deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind" (1 Peter 2:1). This exhortation serves as a reminder that followers of Christ are to reflect His character, marked by love, honesty, and a genuine concern for others.

In summary, the Bible's teachings on hypocrisy and slander serve as a cautionary tale for believers, urging them to examine their hearts and actions. By rejecting these destructive behaviors, Christians can foster a community that honors God and upholds the values of truth and love.Proverbs 11:9
An hypocrite with his mouth destroys his neighbor: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

How Saints May Help the Devil
... that earnest sermon, I with some others walked home ... this is a reason why thou shouldet
destroy thine by ... one: if there are hundreds of hypocrites, this should ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/how saints may help the.htm

The victory of Faith
... we will also act, or else we are hypocrites, confounded hypocrites. ... my government;
he will not do as others do ... army, coming to chase him, and utterly destroy him ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the victory of faith.htm

"Who Will Rise up with Me against the Wicked?"
... For as all sin directly tends both to destroy our peace ... less temptation laid in the
way of others; yea, and ... for it makes many of them hypocrites, pretending to ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 52 who will rise.htm

Persecution Every Christian's Lot
... with God: you are only heart-hypocrites; and, "What ... fear Him only, who is able to
destroy both body ... Whilst others are boasting of their great perferments, let ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/persecution every christians lot.htm

Tenth Sunday after Trinity Spiritual Counsel for Church Officers.
... And they destroy the people who thus offend them ... Paul and others.". ... do the true
Christians distinguish themselves from false Christians, hypocrites and factious ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/tenth sunday after trinity spiritual.htm

Submit Yourselves Therefore to God. James 4:7.
... no selfish end, but seeks the happiness of others as its ... of different individuals
will clash, and destroy the happiness ... Is this calculated to make hypocrites? ...
/.../finney/lectures to professing christians/submit yourselves therefore to god.htm

A Caution to the Presumptuous
... of their priviledges they run down others, exclaiming, "My ... shall not stumble so as
to destroy his life ... So the fact of their being some hypocrites proves that ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/a caution to the presumptuous.htm

Consolation Proportionate to Spiritual Sufferings
... were once consumed in fire; while others were slain ... darkness, leave no stone unturned
to destroy him. ... sincere man, thou wilt meet twenty hypocrites; where thou ...
/.../consolation proportionate to spiritual sufferings.htm

On Genesis.
... that He keeps the commandments, does not destroy the law ... Dan himself lies in wait
against others, we may ... are the scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites who, while ...
/.../hippolytus/the extant works and fragments of hippolytus/on genesis.htm

Let Him Deliver Him Now
... say in his heart, "There may be hypocrites in the ... to which we ourselves would have
put others before our ... earth: and though after my skin worms destroy this body ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 34 1888/let him deliver him now.htm

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