Knowing The Word in Matthew 6:1-4

Giving to the Needy

6 “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. [Religious observance is to be directed toward God, not for impressing fellow man. Alms giving, prayer, and fasting are three such popular observances.]

2 “Thus, when you give to the needy [a religious duty, not a philanthropic option], sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites [the original Greek meant an actor performing for an audience] do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 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. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.