Hypocrisy, as understood in the biblical context, refers to the act of pretending to have virtues, moral beliefs, or religious principles that one does not actually possess. It is a form of deceit and insincerity, often condemned in Scripture for its duplicity and falsehood. The term is derived from the Greek word "hypokrisis," which originally referred to the act of playing a part on stage, thus highlighting the element of pretense.

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ frequently rebukes the Pharisees and scribes for their hypocrisy. 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." This passage underscores the contrast between outward appearances and inward reality, a central theme in the biblical critique of hypocrisy.

The Apostle Paul also addresses hypocrisy in his epistles. In Romans 12:9 , he exhorts believers, "Love must be sincere. Detest what is evil; cling to what is good." Here, sincerity is presented as the antidote to hypocrisy, emphasizing the importance of genuine love and moral integrity.

Hypocrisy is not only a personal failing but also a communal danger, as it can lead others astray and damage the witness of the faith community. In Galatians 2:13 , Paul recounts how even Barnabas was led astray by the hypocrisy of others, illustrating the contagious nature of this sin.

Integrity

Integrity, in the biblical sense, refers to the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles. It is characterized by consistency of actions, values, methods, and principles, and is often associated with righteousness and uprightness. The Hebrew word "tom" and the Greek word "aletheia" are often translated as integrity, conveying the idea of completeness and truthfulness.

The Bible holds integrity in high regard, presenting it as a hallmark of a faithful and righteous life. In Proverbs 11:3 , it is written, "The integrity of the upright guides them, but the perversity of the faithless destroys them." This verse highlights the guiding power of integrity, contrasting it with the destructive nature of deceit.

Job is often cited as a paragon of integrity. Despite his immense suffering, he maintains his integrity, refusing to curse God or abandon his faith. In Job 2:3 , the Lord says to Satan, "Have you considered My servant Job? For there is no one on earth like him, a man who is blameless and upright, who fears God and shuns evil. And he still maintains his integrity, even though you incited Me against him to ruin him without cause."

The New Testament also emphasizes the importance of integrity. In 2 Corinthians 8:21 , Paul writes, "For we are taking great care to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of men." This reflects the dual aspect of integrity, which involves being truthful and upright before both God and others.

Integrity is foundational to the Christian life, as it reflects the character of God and the transformative power of the Gospel. It is a witness to the truth of the faith and a testimony to the work of the Holy Spirit in the believer's life.