Matthew 6:1-6
Contemporary English Version
Giving
6 (A) When you do good deeds, don't try to show off. If you do, you won't get a reward from your Father in heaven.
2 When you give to the poor, don't blow a loud horn. That's what show-offs do in the synagogues and on the street corners, because they are always looking for praise. I can assure you that they already have their reward.
3 When you give to the poor, don't let anyone know about it.[a] 4 Then your gift will be given in secret. Your Father knows what is done in secret and will reward you.
Prayer
(Luke 11.2-4)
5 (B) When you pray, don't be like those show-offs who love to stand up and pray in the synagogues and on the street corners. They do this just to look good. I can assure you that they already have their reward.
6 When you pray, go into a room alone and close the door. Pray to your Father in private. He knows what is done in private and will reward you.
Read full chapterFootnotes
- 6.3 don't let anyone know about it: The Greek text has, “Don't let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.”
Matthew 6:16-18
Contemporary English Version
Worshiping God by Going without Eating
16 When you go without eating,[a] don't try to look gloomy as those show-offs do when they go without eating. I can assure you that they already have their reward. 17 (A) Instead, comb your hair and wash your face. 18 Then others won't know you are going without eating. But your Father sees what is done in private, and he will reward you.
Read full chapterFootnotes
- 6.16 without eating: See the note at 4.2.
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