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Jesus tells us not to criticize others when our habits are worse than theirs. (Matthew 7:3-4) We are not to give to the needy, pray, or fast to impress other people. (Matthew 6:2, 6:5, 6:16) And Jesus repeatedly condemns the teachers of the law and the Pharisees for their hypocrisy. (Matthew 23:13, 15, 23, 25, 27, and 29)
Notice the colorful imaginary and biting humor Jesus employs in ridicule of the Jewish religious leaders. “Woe to you, teachers of the law 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 everything unclean. In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.” (Matthew 23:27-28)
And: “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence.” (Matthew 23:25)
Paul and Peter also denounced hypocrisy. See Romans 2:1, 2:21-23 and 1 Peter 2:1.
Jealousy
Paul criticized the Corinthian church because of their jealousy and quarreling. They were, he said, acting like “mere men.” (1 Corinthians 3:3) Jealousy is still another act of the sinful nature. Paul warns that those who act that way will not inherit the kingdom of God. (Galatians 5:19-21)
Lust
Lust is another sin of the mind or spirit. We reviewed Jesus’ quote on the topic when we addressed the sin of adultery. “Anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” (Matthew 5:28)
Paul adds his own warning: “Put to death,