How Could JESUS Call Such Teachers Of The Law And Pharisees Hypocrites When They Were So Versed In The Knowledge Of The Scriptures?

 "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites!  You are like whitewashed tombs, beautiful in appearance; but, inside, there are only dead bones and uncleanliness.  In the same way, you appear religious to others, but you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness within.

Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites!  You build tombs for the prophets, and decorate the monuments of the righteous.  You say: Had we lived in the time of our ancestors, we would not have joined them in shedding the blood of the prophets.  So, you, yourselves, confess to be the descendants of those who murdered the prophets.

And now, finish off what your ancestors began!" - Matthew 23:27-32 

(How could JESUS call such men hypocrites when they were so versed in the knowledge of the Scriptures?

In the language of JESUS, the word "hypocrite" equally denotes what is superficial as well as the one who makes light of what is of GOD.  Obviously not all the Pharisees were hypocrites; but JESUS denounces a frequent deformation in the religious elite.  HE  calls us to be wary of those institutions born of possessors of wealth and culture who aspire to direct others--and the Church--without having learned from the poor or practiced true humility.

The mystery of GOD is so deep that no one can present himself as HIS lieutenant.  The Pharisees trained, taught and gained many followers in the faith but their fasts and alms were already rewarded.  Pride and love of money were given their place.)

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