THEOSISGregory the Great
He will vanish like a dream and will not be located; indeed, he will be discarded like a nighttime vision (Job 20:8). What is the existence of a hypocrite if not an illusion, a specter that presents itself as something other than its true essence? Therefore, it is rightly likened to a 'dream,' for all praise and glory, in a sense, depart from it along with life itself. Often in dreams, during night visions, those who are impoverished may experience amazement, envisioning themselves as affluent, seeing honors bestowed upon them, and beholding treasures, numerous servants, exquisite garments, and plentiful food belonging to them.
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They rejoice at having escaped their prior state of poverty and despair; however, upon awakening, they recognize the falsity of the joy they experienced, feeling sorrow at the harsh truth that reality has roused them.
In a similar manner, hypocrites, while their actions differ from their façade, garner admiration through their pretended righteous lives; in the opinions of others, they are placed above many who are genuinely righteous, and while they carry a proud inner dialogue, they outwardly present themselves as humble. They enjoy a high regard from others, believing that they are perceived in the same way by God as they are by their neighbors. They are convinced that they will also attain the rewards of eternal life, and those who have earned the accolades of others below do not doubt that they will find rest in the hereafter. Yet in this hidden hour, while their physical eyes are closed, they awaken their spiritual sight, only to discover that they are destined for eternal punishment and realize that their supposed righteousness existed only in a dream. Indeed, it is affirmed regarding such a hypocrite: he must be cast out like a nighttime vision. For he perceives himself momentarily as a man rich in virtue, but in truth, it is merely an illusion, a specter representing a lack of genuine virtue. When his soul awakens and is liberated from the flesh, he undoubtedly learns that he has been in slumber, and that the honor he derived from men was but a dream. And it proceeds further: