“Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. 2 “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. Mathew 6:1-4 (NIV)
Historical Context: Matthew 6:1-4 is part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, delivered to His disciples and a larger audience. In first-century Judaism, almsgiving was a vital aspect of religious life, often performed publicly. Jesus critiques the motive behind such practices, focusing on the sincerity of the heart rather than outward displays of piety.
Literary Context: This passage is the opening section of a broader discourse (Matthew 6:1-18) addressing acts of righteousness, including giving, prayer, and fasting. Jesus contrasts external religiosity aimed at gaining human approval with genuine devotion directed toward God.
Word Study
"Practicing your righteousness" (δικαιοσύνην, dikaiosynēn): Refers to acts of piety or religious duties, particularly in giving, prayer, and fasting.
"Hypocrites" (ὑποκριταί, hypokritai): Originally meaning actors, it conveys the idea of insincerity—outwardly performing righteousness without inward truth.
"Reward" (μισθός, misthos): Indicates payment or recognition, emphasizing that seeking human praise forfeits divine reward.
Theological Context: This teaching emphasizes the inward nature of true righteousness. It reflects God’s concern with the heart and contrasts Kingdom values with superficial religiosity. The idea of a "reward from your Father in heaven" highlights God’s awareness and response to genuine acts of obedience.
Application to the Original Audience: Jesus warned His listeners, particularly those accustomed to public displays of piety, to examine their motives. He encouraged a shift from seeking human approval to pleasing God through authentic devotion.
Application to the Contemporary Audience: Today, this passage challenges believers to evaluate the sincerity of their charitable acts and other expressions of faith, ensuring they are motivated by love for God rather than the desire for recognition.
Righteousness That Pleases God
Matthew 6:1-4 offers profound insight into the nature of true righteousness. Jesus begins, "Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven." These verses challenge believers to move beyond external religiosity and pursue a heart-oriented faith that seeks to please God rather than impress others.
In the context of first-century Judaism, almsgiving was a deeply ingrained practice. However, it often became a means of showcasing one’s piety. Jesus addresses this by highlighting the danger of performing acts of righteousness "to be seen by others." The use of the term "hypocrites" (hypokritai) is striking—it likens those seeking human praise to actors performing for an audience. Jesus emphasizes that such behaviour forfeits divine reward, as it prioritizes fleeting human recognition over eternal significance.
According to Jesus, secrecy is the antidote to hypocrisy. "When you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing." This hyperbolic statement underscores the importance of humility and discretion in charitable acts. God values not the act itself but the heart behind it. The phrase "your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you" reassures believers that their unseen acts of faithfulness are noticed and cherished by God.
Theologically, Matthew 6:1-4 reflects the values of God’s Kingdom, which prioritize authenticity over appearance. It aligns with the broader biblical teaching that God examines the heart (1 Samuel 16:7) and values obedience and humility over ritualistic displays. This passage also foreshadows the Gospel’s emphasis on grace—true righteousness is not achieved through human effort but flows from a transformed heart aligned with God’s will.
For modern readers, this teaching is both convicting and liberating. In an age of social media and public platforms, where acts of charity are often showcased, Matthew 6:1-4 serves as a reminder to evaluate motives. It challenges believers to give, serve, and live in a way that reflects their identity as children of God, seeking His approval rather than human applause.
In summary, Matthew 6:1-4 calls believers to practice righteousness with integrity and humility. By focusing on the audience of One—God—Christians can live lives that honor Him and reflect His Kingdom values. In doing so, they store up treasures not on earth, but in heaven, where their reward is eternal and secure.
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