Blog: The Leaven of the Pharisees - 2010-06-18
The Leaven of the Pharisees June 18, 2010,
I don't often quote from the Bible. In fact, this is a first. And possibly a last. Nonetheless, a friend sent me a quote I thought was particularly applicable, from Luke 12:2-3:
"Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight. What you have whispered to someone behind closed doors will be shouted from the rooftops."
Of course, Jesus had nothing good to say about the Pharisees, whom he considered to be self-righteous rule-followers. The word "pharisee" has thus come into common usage to describe a hypocritical and arrogant person who places the letter of the law above its spirit. And leaven, or yeast, is used metaphorically as an element that produces an altering or transforming influence. Something that might "puff someone up."