The scribes and Pharisees were highly respected religious leaders in Jesus’ time, known for their strict adherence to the Law of Moses and the traditions of the elders. Their righteousness refers to the kind of religious conduct they displayed, which was often based on external appearances and strict rule-keeping rather than inner transformation or sincere devotion to God.

Outwardly, they appeared righteous and holy. But Jesus saw beyond their robes and rituals—He saw their hearts. He had to address it in Matthew 5:20.
Here are seven of those forms of righteousness to look out for:

1. Outward show of religion without inward purity:
The Pharisees cared about appearances. They looked pure on the outside, but their hearts were far from God. They were so corrupt inside that Jesus had to address it in Matthew 23:27-28

“Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres… within full of dead men’s bones” https://www.bible.com/bible/1/MAT.23.27-28.KJV

2. Pride in religious status and titles:
They loved titles and positions of honour rather than humble service. They loved to be called “Rabbi” and sought the praises of men rather than God. They loved public recognition.
This can be seen in Matthew 23:5-7.

“they make broad their phylacteries… and love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues”

3. Strict observance of minor laws but neglecting weightier matters:
The Pharisees focused excessively on tithing even the smallest herbs. They were so meticulous about religious rules but ignored the most important aspects of God’s law, which are justice, mercy, and faith—even love.

Matthew 23:23

“Woe unto you… for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law…”

4. Hypocrisy in teaching but not practicing:
They preached righteousness but didn’t practice it.
Matthew 23:2-3

“The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat… but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.”

5. Seeking praise from men rather than God:
The Pharisees’ righteousness was for show, to gain the approval of people. Even their acts of charity and prayer were done to impress others. And Jesus corrected this in Matthew 6:1

“Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them”

6. Burdening people:
They burdened others with laws, making religion hard for others but didn’t lift a finger to help them. In fact, they imposed rules without offering compassion or grace.

Luke 11:46

“ye lade men with burdens grievous to be borne, and ye yourselves touch not the burdens…”

7. Rejection of Jesus and the gospel truth:
Despite all their knowledge, they rejected the Messiah. Though they knew the Scriptures, they rejected Jesus Himself.

John 5:39-40

“Search the scriptures… and they are they which testify of me. And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.”

In summary:
The righteousness of the Pharisees was based on:

Outward appearance

Pride and self-righteousness

Legalism over love

Hypocrisy

Neglect of heart transformation

In this powerful statement in Matthew 5:20, Jesus challenges His followers to a deeper and authentic walk with God—one that goes beyond surface religion. He is calling us to a higher righteousness, one that flows from a changed heart full of humility, love, mercy, and truth

Question
What kind of righteousness did they display, and why wasn’t it enough?

Prayer: Pray this for yourself.
Lord, help me not to settle for outward religion. Change me from the inside out. Let my righteousness be real, not rooted in pride or performance, but in love, faith, and obedience to You. Amen.