TRANSLATION
The hypocrites seek to deceive God, but all the while it is God who lets them deceive [themselves]. When they stand up for prayer, they do so only reluctantly, only to be seen by people, and they remember God very little. They waver in their postures and positions. Whoever God lets go astray, you cannot find a way for him or her.
O People of Faith, do not take into confidence those who do not believe over those who believe. Do you want to establish a clear proof against yourself to God? The hypocrites will be in the lowest depth of the Fire, and you will not find anyone able to help them. But those of them who repent, hold fast onto righteousness, and show sincerity in their belief in God, they are with the believers. God will, in due time, grant believers a grand reward. Why would God chastise you if you are grateful and demonstrate faith? God is always responsive to gratitude, and He is All Aware.285
INTERPRETATION
285. Hypocrisy is considered a grave sin and a condition worse than disbelief. Hypocrites conceal their disbelief from the believers but act in alignment with those who disbelieve, thereby causing chaos in the ranks of believers and weakening their position from inside. Such people are to be shunned, not to be taken into confidence, and all precautions are to be taken to avoid their harmful intents and actions.
REFLECTION
In a community and social context, diversity of opinion and discourse is welcome and should be encouraged to get the best wisdom and intelligence out of the members for the benefit of the larger community. This is the reason truly democratic societies and communities that encourage freedom, knowledge gathering and sharing, and rule of law progress at a faster pace than autocratic societies. Having said that, there are always members present who do not believe in democratic values, have evil intent, and bring out arguments only to cause chaos and division among people. Such people should be recognized in time to contain their harmful doings and be dealt with in a persistent and consistent manner based on truth, wisdom, and empathy rather than ill will.
ACTION
In our private and public conduct, we need to adhere to truth, justice, and respect of diverse opinions while effectively dealing with those who are malicious and hypocritical and cause divisions among people.