Confucius states people with smooth, flattering words and artificial manners rarely possess genuine benevolence. He stresses sincere inner virtue over deliberate outward pretence, warning against hypocrisy that masks selfishness and distorts true morality.
Confucius criticizes hypocrites who look stern yet cowardly inside, comparing them to sneaky wall thieves. He stresses sincerity and consistency between inner virtue and outward bearing, condemning hollow posturing that lacks genuine moral fortitude.