**TL;DR – According to the Bible, we are to practice what we preach. Why then, do so many people not do it. Is it because it's hard? Perhaps, in this instance the theory is harder to put into practice. Well, whatever the reason, there are people who are perfectly unaware and even comfortable that they've become hypocrites living this way .** This [ever-popular expression (verse) which is more accurately quoted (within its given context)]( https://biblehub.com/esv/matthew/23.htm) as, “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat, so do and observe whatever they tell you, but not the works they do. For they preach, but do not practice. For they preach, but do not practice," Matthew 23:1-3, might be the simplest, yet the most difficult imperative in our lives. Why? Because even when we don’t say it or consciously think it, sometimes we unintentionally embody this phrase. A really profound and unique biblical example where practicing what you preach can be found, is revealed to us when read in the Bible about how God created the Heavens and the Earth. First, He put into words what He would put into practice. That is to say, proving his words by his deeds he did what he said he would do – practicing what he preached. Some more common everyday [examples] (https://www.studysmart.gr/blog/bite-size-thoughts/practice-what-you-preach-why-it-s-important-to-lead-manage-and-practice-what-you-preach-ethically) can be seen in when we ask or tell someone else to do something. Sometimes it’s with a higher expectation than we set for ourselves – not holding them to the same standard, or not something that we, ourselves would do. Why do we do this? I believe that the main reason people don’t (make more of an effort to) practice what they preach is because often they are often not led by example. What I mean to say is, since there are so many people who are not practicing what they preach, it's sometimes simpler to just do what others do – even if it means acting like a hypocrite more often than not. I’ve always (and still do) believe that it's hypocritical behavior for a person to advise, lecture or educate (preach to) others (good or bad) if that person is not willing to do the same. More specifically, do not ask others what you will not ask of yourself or that you are not prepared to do yourself. Because, in order for someone to follow your example, you need to lead by example. So while *we are not perfect and all make mistakes, it doesn’t mean that we cannot or shouldn’t practice what we preach.* Especially, since practicing what you preach doesn’t just occur within a specific context or bubble. It’s not just just a conceptual or theoretical process only to be experienced at the “right time." Consequently, practicing what you preach is not a perfect process and neither are we perfect creatures. Furthermore, what is essential to note here is that if one does indeed, practice what one preaches, then it has to be done with [a pure heart]( https://www.patheos.com/resources/additional-resources/2011/10/do-as-i-say-not-as-i-do-alyce-mckenzie-10-24-2011). Because only then, will we start to realize that it’s *not only* about living a *moral life.* It’s about our [faith in God] (https://www.ministrymatters.com/preach/entry/1804/practice-what-you-preach) and how we are to emulate good behavioral practice in morality at every level of our lives – since we are not saved by our works but by our faith in God. We *can learn to practice what we preach* so much better if we approach it with an open mindset of *not only wanting to live a perfect life free of mistakes.* Also, we need to ensure that we examine our motives and make sure our words are in line with our actions. We need to have a concept of awareness and hold ourselves (and others) accountable for each others actions. So then, practicing what you preach is a simple concept. There is no deciphering of any hidden code or message. It is what it is and there is nothing more or nothing less that one has to do in order to understand it better. It’s just another way we’re always learning, growing and working toward being better people – and less like hypocrites. The bottom line, it’s a *process.* A *practice.* A constant work in progress that’s never-ending. And since it’s such an integral part of our everyday lives, there is no on and off switch. Ultimately, *practicing what you preach is all about leading by example – I am going to do what I say.*

Practicing the same advice you give others can be quite difficult. That does not mean you should not give advice; Sometimes, a person advises to help someone else. If they recommend working out every day for fitness, but they do not do it themselves, that is okay. This is because the advice they are giving out is not hypocritical. They may have been trying to work out, but work gets in the way. That is their weakness, and they may understand that. So, to help others be motivated to work out, they give that advice. However, practicing what you preach is definitely a lesson in hypocrisy in subject matters like racism and sexism. If someone preaches the importance of feminism while being sexist themselves, this becomes a big problem because it is an attitude. Practicing what you preach only becomes hypocritical when not practicing harms someone, like society or your family. If it harms yourself, and you have tried, but things come in the way, it is not hypocrisy.