Proverbs 11:9

Hypocrites lead others into sin, trouble, and eventually destruction by their lying words. But a just man, with the wisdom and knowledge of God and His word, will not be led astray by these wicked talkers. He will see through them. Thank God for saving truth.

What is a hypocrite? He is a man who puts up a front to hide his wicked heart, life, and intentions. They flatter, pretend, and lie. They are wolves in sheep’s clothing (Matt 7:15). They are graves of the dead that have been disguised by white paint (Matt 23:27).

How does he use his mouth? He deceives and misleads the simple by good words and fair speeches (Rom 16:18). He flatters men to let down their guard and hear him. They may even wear religious robes in public to look saintly or virtuous (Matt 23:5; I Tim 4:1-3).

How does he destroy others? He leads men to sin by pretending to have good intentions. He uses religion to get men to think well of him (Matt 6:2,5,16; 23:14,25,27). He speaks of loving the Lord but lives for himself, which undermines the faith of those watching.

What is a just man? He is a godly man, who always does what is right. He is honest, sincere, and true. He is the opposite of a hypocritical liar (Pr 20:7). His life is consistent, so what you see on the outside is exactly what he is on the inside and at home (Ps 101:2).

How are the just delivered? The just man is saved from the hypocrite by knowing the truth, which gives him the wisdom and understanding to reject the hypocrite’s ideas. He is able to discern the heresies or lies of the hypocrite and ignore his pompous pretensions.

What knowledge saves the just? Knowing God and His word saves righteous men from the evil work of the hypocrite. By knowing God’s will from the scriptures, they easily see through the bluster and boasting of the hypocrite. Pursue Bible knowledge today, reader.

Jesus often faced hypocrites. The Pharisees, the most conservative denomination of the Jews’ religion, were the greatest hypocrites in the Bible by claiming to be the most dedicated to God while hiding their perverse agenda. They eventually killed Jesus Christ.

The Bible warned there would be many hypocrites coming (II Cor 2:17; 4:2; 11:13-15; Col 2:4; II Thess 2:10; I Tim 4:1-3; 6:3-5; II Pet 2:3,18-19; Jude 1:16). In fact, you may live in the most hypocritical time of all, for Paul foretold perilous times of the last days, when men would have only a form of godliness without its authority (II Tim 3:5; 4:3-4).

Reader, are you knowledgeable and wise enough to detect and defeat hypocrites? Are you so settled on the word of God that you can see through their deceitful pretensions, good words, and fair speeches (Rom 16:17)? Learning the Bible and walking in the Spirit will save you. You will know the right way to live and not be led astray by anyone.