“They tell others to do something and do not do it themselves”

This quote is from centuries ago! Words of Jesus Christ, about the religious leaders of the day.  He often called them ‘hypocrites’. Another translation reads:

Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do

Matthew 23:3

But before we start to feel too good about ourselves we should consider more words of Jesus. He asked:

And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?

Warning, in fact, that we can all be hypocrites:

 For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.

Matthew 7:2–3

It is a sad fact that we all have a tendency to see and exaggerate the faults in others while minimizing our own. And we are also quick to judge situations without knowing all the facts or motives.

But God knows all:

O Lord… You understand my thought afar off. You comprehend my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word on my tongue, but behold, O Lord, You know it altogether.

Psalm 139:1–4

God is our judge, and will determine our destiny based on complete knowledge of everything about us.

Let us therefore try to please Him.