Charles Spurgeon Commentary Luke 12

Meanwhile, when an innumerable multitude of people were gathered together, so that they trampled one another, he began to say to his disciples first of all, You beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.

Hypocrisy, however, of a kind that was calculated to spread, like leaven. If you know that a man is a hypocrite, you do not feel inclined to imitate him; but the Pharisees were such well-made hypocrites—such excellent counterfeits—that many people were tempted to imitate them. Our Lord teaches us, however, that it is no use being a hypocrite—

For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known.

For many days, the hypocrite's true character may not be discovered, but there is a day coming that will reveal all secrets; and woe to the man whose sin is laid bare in that day!

Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops.

It would be well if we all lived in such a way that we would not be ashamed to have everything we did placarded on the very sky.

I have heard of one who said that he would like to have a window in his heart, so that everybody might see what was going on. I think that, if I had such a window in my heart, I would like to have shutters for it; and I question whether any man really could wish to have his heart open to the gaze of all mankind.

But, at least, let our lives be such that we would not be ashamed for the universal eye to be fixed upon them. If you are ashamed to have any one of your actions known, be ashamed to do it. If you would be ashamed to hear again what you were about to say, do not say it.

Check your tongue; be cautious and careful. Always live as one who realizes God's omniscience. While one of the ancient orators was speaking on one occasion, all his hearers went away except for Plato; but he continued to speak as eloquently as ever, for he said that Plato was a sufficient audience for any man. So, if there is no one but the eye of God looking upon you, be just as careful as if you were in the street, surrounded by your fellow creatures; indeed, be more careful, because you are in the presence of your Creator.

In the mean time, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known.

What, therefore, can be the use of hypocrisy? Hypocrisy leads a man to pretend to be what he is not. His only hope lies in not being discovered; but, as Christ declares that there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known; hypocrisy becomes insanity as well as iniquity. Therefore, keep clear of it in every shape and form.

Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops. And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.

There is nothing, comparatively, to fear in death considered by itself. If that were the end of man, he would have little or no fear even of God himself. But since after death, there is another state which is everlasting and unchangeable, there is grave cause for the ungodly to fear him who, after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell.