Matthew 6:16-18
New American Standard Bible
Fasting; The True Treasure; Wealth
16 “Now (A)whenever you fast, do not make a gloomy face as the hypocrites do, for they [a]distort their faces so that they will be noticed by people when they are fasting. (B)Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. 17 But as for you, when you fast, [b](C)anoint your head and wash your face, 18 so that your fasting will not be noticed by people but by your Father who is in secret; and your (D)Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.
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- Matthew 6:16 I.e., leave unwashed, or discolor their faces with makeup
- Matthew 6:17 I.e., rub oil in the hair
Matthew 6:16-18
Amplified Bible
Fasting, The True Treasure, Wealth (Mammon)
16 “And whenever you are fasting, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they put on a sad and dismal face [like actors, discoloring their faces with ashes or dirt] so that their fasting may be seen by men. I assure you and most solemnly say to you, they [already] have their reward in full.(A) 17 But when you fast, put oil on your head [as you normally would to groom your hair] and wash your face 18 so that your fasting will not be noticed by people, but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees [what is done] in secret will reward you.
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Matthew 6:16-18
The Message
16-18 “When you practice some appetite-denying discipline to better concentrate on God, don’t make a production out of it. It might turn you into a small-time celebrity but it won’t make you a saint. If you ‘go into training’ inwardly, act normal outwardly. Shampoo and comb your hair, brush your teeth, wash your face. God doesn’t require attention-getting devices. He won’t overlook what you are doing; he’ll reward you well.
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