Hypocrites

In ancient times, actors wore masks and makeups for theatric "pretense" or "playing a part." Pretense also applies to religious matters.

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Jesus criticizes the scribes and the Pharisees for wishing to appear holy and righteous. But their holiness is mostly for appearance; they do it to gain the praise of people. They are hypocrites or “great pretenders.”

They are self-righteous and ostentatious, they teach people false religious beliefs, and they try to trap Jesus. They are hypocrites who would correct the defects of others while failing to detect the monstrous and, therefore, more evident failures on their part.