People can be unpredictable.
Some seem kind and trustworthy at first but later reveal their true colors.
They smile to your face but talk behind your back.
They pretend to care but are only around when they need something.
These kinds of people can be hard to deal with, and many wonder what the Bible says about them.
Does God warn against fake people?
How should believers respond when they encounter dishonesty and deception?
By looking at scripture, we can find guidance on identifying fake people, dealing with them wisely, and surrounding ourselves with those who genuinely reflect God’s love.
What Does It Mean to Be Fake?
Being fake means pretending to be something you are not.
A fake person puts on an act to get what they want, whether it is approval, power, or personal gain.
They might appear honest, loyal, or kind, but their words and actions tell a different story.
Jesus spoke about this kind of deception in Matthew 7:15, saying, “Watch out for false prophets.
They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.”
Fake people can be found anywhere—at work, in friendships, in families, and even in the church.
They may use flattery to get ahead or manipulate others for their own benefit.
The Bible warns that such behavior is dangerous and leads to destruction.
The Bible’s Warning About Hypocrisy
One of the strongest examples of fake people in the Bible is the religious leaders of Jesus’ time.
The Pharisees appeared righteous on the outside, but their hearts were far from God.
Jesus exposed their hypocrisy in Matthew 23:27-28:
“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 the bones of the dead 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.”
The Pharisees followed religious traditions but lacked true love for God and others.
They were more concerned with looking holy than actually living righteously.
This passage shows that being fake is not just about lying to others—it is about having a heart that does not match outward actions.
God values honesty and sincerity, not empty words and fake devotion.
Signs of Fake People in the Bible
The Bible provides wisdom on how to recognize fake people.
Proverbs 26:24-26 warns, “Enemies disguise themselves with their lips, but in their hearts they harbor deceit.
Though their speech is charming, do not believe them, for seven abominations fill their hearts.
Their malice may be concealed by deception, but their wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.”
This verse highlights common traits of fake people.
They use smooth words to hide their true intentions.
They deceive others for personal gain.
They pretend to care but secretly hold bitterness, jealousy, or malice.
Eventually, their true nature is exposed.
Fake people may fool others for a time, but God sees their hearts and will bring their deception to light.
The Danger of Fake Friends
The Bible not only warns about fake people but also about fake friendships.
Proverbs 19:4 says, “Wealth attracts many friends, but even the closest friend of the poor person deserts them.”
Some people stay close only when they can benefit from you.
Once they no longer need you, they disappear.
Proverbs 16:28 warns, “A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.”
Fake friends love to spread rumors and create drama.
They do not seek peace; they thrive on division.
Proverbs 27:6 states, “Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.”
A true friend will tell you the truth, even when it is hard to hear.
A fake friend will only say what you want to hear while secretly working against you.
The Bible encourages believers to choose their friends wisely and avoid those who bring harm and deception.
How Jesus Dealt with Fake People
Jesus encountered many fake people during His ministry.
Some pretended to follow Him but were only interested in His miracles.
Some religious leaders acted holy but were full of pride and corruption.
Even one of His own disciples, Judas Iscariot, betrayed Him.
Jesus knew the hearts of people.
John 2:24-25 says, “But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all people.
He did not need any testimony about mankind, for he knew what was in each person.”
Jesus was not fooled by appearances.
He responded to fake people with wisdom, truth, and grace.
When the Pharisees tried to trap Him with questions, He exposed their hypocrisy with wisdom.
When Judas betrayed Him, Jesus called him “friend” (Matthew 26:50), showing that He still loved even those who turned against Him.
Jesus teaches us that we should not be consumed with anger toward fake people.
Instead, we should handle them with wisdom, truth, and love.
How to Handle Fake People
The Bible offers guidance on dealing with fake people.
First, do not be deceived.
Proverbs 14:8 says, “The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways, but the folly of fools is deception.”
Pay attention to people’s actions, not just their words.
Second, set boundaries.
Proverbs 22:24-25 warns, “Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared.”
If someone constantly lies, manipulates, or stirs up trouble, it is wise to distance yourself.
Third, trust in God’s justice.
Romans 12:19 says, “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.”
God will deal with fake people in His own time.
Believers are called to respond with wisdom, not revenge.
Choosing Real, Godly Relationships
While the Bible warns about fake people, it also encourages believers to seek out true, godly relationships.
Proverbs 17:17 says, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.”
A real friend stays with you in both good times and bad.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 reminds us, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.”
God designed friendships to be supportive, loving, and encouraging.
Surrounding yourself with honest, faithful people strengthens your walk with God.
Jesus: The Friend Who Never Fakes
While human relationships can be uncertain, one friend is always faithful—Jesus.
John 15:13 says, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
Jesus is not a fake friend.
He never lies, never deceives, and never abandons those who trust in Him.
He is always present, always loving, and always true.
When you feel betrayed by people, turn to Him.
His love is real, and His friendship is eternal.
Final Thoughts
The Bible teaches that fake people exist and warns about their deception.
It describes their traits, exposes their motives, and offers wisdom on how to deal with them.
While encountering fake people can be painful, believers do not have to be discouraged.
God calls His people to seek truth, choose real friendships, and trust in His justice.
Above all, Jesus remains the greatest example of honesty, loyalty, and love.
When human relationships fail, His love is unshaken.
By placing trust in Him, believers can navigate friendships and challenges with wisdom, peace, and confidence in His perfect plan.