Breaking Down a Common Problem in Everyday Life and Faith
Let’s talk about something we all notice at some point—hypocrisy. Simply put, hypocrisy is when someone pretends to be one thing but acts in a completely different way. If you’ve ever heard someone say, “Do as I say, not as I do,” you get the idea.
Where Does the Word Come From?
The word “hypocrisy” actually comes from an old Greek word that meant “stage acting” or “pretending.” In other words, a hypocrite is like an actor wearing a mask—showing the world one face, but hiding their true self beneath. This isn’t just about little white lies. It’s about putting on a show of being good, virtuous, or holy, while not really living up to those standards.
What Does Hypocrisy Look Like?
· Pretending to have a virtue or moral standard you don’t really practice.
· Doing things that totally contradict what you say you believe.
· Acting one way in public to impress people, while being completely different in private.
· Putting on a “holy” or “good” act just to get praise or attention from others.
Everyday Examples
· Someone scolds others for eating junk food, but secretly snacks on candy when no one’s watching.
· A politician gives speeches about protecting the environment, but drives a gas-guzzling car and wastes energy at home.
· A person preaches about kindness, but bullies others behind closed doors.
· A government claims to want peace, but keeps getting ready for war.
Similar Words
You might hear words like “deceit,” “insincerity,” or “double-dealing”—all hint at the same sort of pretending or saying one thing while doing another.
What Does the Bible Say About Hypocrisy?
In the Bible, hypocrisy is taken very seriously. It’s not just frowned upon; it’s called a sin. The Bible says that saying one thing but doing another, or looking down on others while ignoring your own flaws, is a big deal.
Jesus, in particular, called out hypocrites all the time—especially the religious leaders. He said things like, “You’re like whitewashed tombs—clean and shiny on the outside, but full of dead stuff inside.” (Matthew 23:27) In other words, they looked holy to others but were rotten at heart.
Key Takeaways from the Bible:
· Walk the talk. There must be a match between what you say you believe and how you live. Faith isn’t just for show.
· Don’t just do good things for attention. Jesus said that praying, fasting, or giving to look good to others means you’re missing the point.
· Look at yourself first. Jesus told a funny story about a person trying to pick a speck out of someone else’s eye while having a big plank in their own. In short: fix your own problems before you judge others.
· True love and faith are genuine. The Bible says love must be “without hypocrisy”—real and from the heart, not fake or put on (Romans 12:9).
Why Is Hypocrisy So Harmful?
Hypocrisy hurts trust. If people see you acting one way but saying another, they may feel tricked or let down. In religious life, it can make people question faith altogether if leaders or followers act insincerely. The Bible warns that hypocrisy doesn’t just mislead people; it can misrepresent God.
A Note on Taking a Stand
It’s not hypocrisy to say something is wrong (like drunkenness or lying) if you’re also working to avoid it yourself. Hypocrisy is claiming to be against something, but doing it anyway and pretending you don’t.
How Do We Avoid Being Hypocrites?
· Be honest—with yourself and others.
· Try to live in a way that matches your beliefs.
· Don’t judge others harshly—remember your own flaws.
· Focus on true goodness, not just looking good.
In the end, being real—admitting mistakes, striving to do better, and practicing what we preach—is what counts. As the Bible says, play-acting is for the stage, not for real life.
Minister A Francine Green
August 2025
afrancinegreen.com 