Matthew 6:1
“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.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse isn't just a warning against showing off; it highlights that "righteousness" here isn't limited to just giving money, but encompasses all the good deeds and spiritual practices Jesus will discuss. The core issue isn't being seen, but the intention behind the action – seeking human applause rather than God's approval.
Jesus is shifting from teaching about the kingdom's character in the previous chapter to practical application in this one. He begins by cautioning against performing religious acts, like giving to the poor, primarily for the applause of others, setting the stage for discussing how true righteousness is motivated by God, not human recognition.
When Jesus warns about 'practicing your righteousness,' what exactly does that mean? It's broader than you might think, encompassing more than just charitable giving.
Jesus uses the word 'righteousness' here, which is a rich term in Scripture. While some translations might say 'alms,' the original Greek and the context of the Sermon on the Mount suggest a broader meaning.
A Wider Net
Ever feel like you're 'on stage' when you do something good? Jesus warns directly against this tendency and reveals why it robs your actions of divine value.
The critical phrase here is 'in order to be seen by them.' Jesus isn't condemning public acts of righteousness altogether – in fact, He Himself says our light should shine before others (Matthew 5:16). The problem arises when the primary motivation for the action is to gain human approval and recognition.
The Trap of Vanity
Understand the original words
dikaiosynē · Greek Noun
Actions or conduct that conform to the standard of God's law and moral requirements, often used in the New Testament to describe acts of piety or religious observance.
patēr · Greek Noun
The designation of God as the source of life, authority, and relationship for believers, emphasizing His paternal care, holiness, and sovereignty.
misthon · Greek Noun
A recompense or wage granted by God to the faithful, understood not as earning salvation, but as the gracious acknowledgement of God for those who live in obedience to Him.
This passage directly contrasts seeking to please people with seeking to please God, mirroring the core warning in Matthew 6:1 about the motivation behind our actions.
1 Corinthians 4:5This verse speaks about God being the one who will reveal our motives and give us praise, reinforcing the idea that seeking human praise is ultimately futile and misplaced.
Colossians 3:23-24This passage encourages doing all things heartily as unto the Lord, not unto men, which is a powerful positive application of Matthew 6:1's warning against seeking human approval.
Luke 18:9-14The parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector highlights the danger of self-righteous boasting and seeking validation from others, contrasting it with the humble repentance that is truly acknowledged by God.
bensonMatthew 6:1: "Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven."
Matthew 6:1 . Take heed that ye do not your alms, &c. — As some copies and very ancient versions read δικαιοσυνην , righteousness, instead of ελεημοσυνην , alms-deeds, and several of the fathers quote the passage so, “I choose, with Beza,” says Dr. Doddridge, “to follow that reading; because it prevents the appearance of a tautology in the following wo…
wesleyMatthew 6:1: "Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven."
6:1 In the foregoing chapter our Lord particularly described the nature of inward holiness. In this he describes that purity of intention without which none of our outward actions are holy. This chapter contains four parts, The right intention and manner of giving alms, ver.1 -4. The right intention, manner, form, and prerequisites of prayer, ver.5 - 1…
The verse isn't just a warning against showing off; it highlights that "righteousness" here isn't limited to just giving money, but encompasses all the good deeds and spiritual practices Jesus will discuss. The core issue isn't being seen, but the intention behind the action – seeking human applause rather than God's approval.
Jesus is shifting from teaching about the kingdom's character in the previous chapter to practical application in this one. He begins by cautioning against performing religious acts, like giving to the poor, primarily for the applause of others, setting the stage for discussing how true righteousness is motivated by God, not human recognition.
Jesus is shifting from teaching about the kingdom's character in the previous chapter to practical application in this one. He begins by cautioning against performing religious acts, like giving to the poor, primarily for the applause of others, setting the stage for discussing how true righteousness is motivated by God, not human recognition.
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What does it mean to have 'no reward' from God? This verse reveals a divine economy where our motivations determine our eternal outcomes.
The consequence Jesus lays out – 'you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven' – isn't about God withholding payment out of spite. It's about understanding where true value and eternal reward lie.
Where is Your Treasure?
"“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." — The verse isn't just a warning against showing off; it highlights that "righteousness" here isn't limited to just giving money, but encompasses all the good deeds and spiritual practices Jesus will d…
