Understanding Hypocrisy and Its Deeper Meaning
Let’s face it: everyone has seen hypocrisy at work. At its core, hypocrisy means pretending—putting on a mask, acting out a virtue or belief that doesn’t truly match what’s going on inside. The word itself comes from ancient Greek for “stage acting”—showing one face but hiding another beneath.
What does this look like in real life? It’s saying one thing but doing the opposite; it’s making a show of being good just to get approval; it’s preaching values while secretly breaking them. Whether it’s someone lecturing on healthy eating while sneaking candy, or a leader talking about peace while preparing for conflict, hypocrisy is all about the gap between words and actions.
The Bible does not tread lightly here. Hypocrisy, according to Scripture, is a serious offense—a sin that erodes trust and damages faith. Jesus especially warned against it, calling out religious leaders who looked shiny on the outside but were inwardly corrupt. “You’re like whitewashed tombs,” he said, “clean on the outside but full of dead things inside.” The message is clear: real faith isn’t just a display, it’s a way of living that matches what we say we believe.
Some takeaways? Don’t just do good for the applause—do it because it’s right. Before pointing out others’ flaws, remember your own. Let love and faith be genuine, not just an act. Hypocrisy breaks trust, but honesty, humility, and striving to live authentically bring us closer to each other—and, the Bible says, closer to God.
In the end, being real is what matters most. The stage is for actors; life, the Bible insists, is for truth.
A Francine Green
August 2025
afrancinegreen.com 