Bible Readings — Bible Questions Answered

Hypocrisy and Dissimulation

The Pharisees and Hypocrisy

Of what sin were the Pharisees guilty? BR-ASI9 454.3

“Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.” Luke 12:1. BR-ASI9 454.4

Note.—Hypocrisy is a feigning to be what one is not; dissimulation; a concealment of one’s real character or motives; especially, the assuming of a false appearance of virtue or religion. BR-ASI9 454.5

How did the Pharisees show themselves to be hypocrites? BR-ASI9 454.6

“Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, This people draweth nigh unto Me with their mouth, and honoureth Me with their lips; but their heart is far from Me.” Matthew 15:7, 8. BR-ASI9 454.7

How did they make void one of God’s commandments? BR-ASI9 454.8

“For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother. . . . But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; and honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.” Matthew 15:4-6. BR-ASI9 454.9

How did Christ say hypocrites pray? BR-ASI9 454.10

“And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.” Matthew 6:5. BR-ASI9 454.11