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Don't Be Fooled By Those Who Wear Holy Faces On Sunday But Harbor Poison In Their Hearts.
Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Oct 20, 2025 (message contributor)
Summary: Not everyone who wears Sunday clothes is a saint; some carry Monday poison....
The Mask of Deception
In the realm of the righteous, where the Sunday best is donned with pride, beware the whispers of the wolf in sheep's clothing. For they come bearing gifts of deceit, their outward appearance a contrast to the venom that festers within.
The Warning
"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves." (Matthew 7:15)
These words of caution echo through the ages, a reminder to remain vigilant against those who would seek to do harm under the guise of righteousness. The Sunday clothes, a disguise for the Monday poison that threatens to infect and destroy.
The Deception
They walk among us, their faces aglow with piety, their words dripping with honey. Yet, beneath the surface, a cauldron of malice brews, waiting to be unleashed upon the unsuspecting.
The Call to Wisdom
"Therefore be wise as serpents and innocent as doves." (Matthew 10:16)
Let us not be naive, for the children of darkness often walk in the light. Let us be wise, discerning the true nature of those who would seek to do us harm.
Sunday clothes and Monday poison.
In a world where appearances often deceive, the Bible warns us about the dangers of hypocrisy.
1. Ananias and Sapphira: The Deceitful Duo
In Acts 5:1-11, Ananias and Sapphira's outward generosity hid their deceitful hearts. They pretended to donate all their property to the apostles, but secretly kept some for themselves. Their Sunday best couldn't conceal the Monday poison of greed.
2. The Pharisees: Whitewashed Tombs
Jesus condemned the Pharisees for their hypocrisy, saying, "You are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead men's bones" (Matthew 23:27). Their outward piety hid inner corruption.
3. Judas Iscariot: The Traitor in Disguise
Judas's betrayal of Jesus is a classic example of Sunday clothes and Monday poison. He walked with Jesus, shared meals with Him, and even pretended to be a devoted follower. Yet, his heart was filled with greed and treachery (Matthew 26:14-16).
4. King Jehu: The Double-Faced Ruler
In 2 Kings 10:18-31, King Jehu's zeal for the Lord was superficial. He pretended to be devoted to God while still practicing idolatry. His Sunday best couldn't hide the Monday poison of idolatry.
5. The Rich Young Ruler: A Heart of Stone
The rich young ruler's encounter with Jesus (Mark 10:17-22) reveals the danger of prioritizing wealth over faith. His Sunday best couldn't compensate for the Monday poison of covetousness in his heart.
6. Absalom: The Rebellious Son
In 2 Samuel 15:1-6, Absalom's charming exterior hid his treacherous intentions. He would kiss his father, King David, while plotting against him. Absalom's Sunday best concealed the Monday poison of ambition and rebellion.
7. King Saul: The Disobedient King
1 Samuel 15:1-35 tells the story of King Saul, who pretended to obey God while disobeying His commands. His Sunday best couldn't mask the Monday poison of disobedience and rebellion.
The Promise of Protection
For those who are vigilant, who see beyond the facade of hypocrisy, there is a promise of protection. "The Lord will preserve you from every evil; he will keep your life." (Psalm 121:7)
May we be guided by wisdom, protected by the Lord, and shielded from the Monday poison of those who would seek to harm us.