Old/New Testament

Of alms, prayer, and fasting. Jesus forbids the care of seeking the things of this life.

6 Take heed to your alms, that you do not give in the sight of men with the intent to be seen by them, or you will receive no reward from your Father who is in heaven. ² Whenever therefore you give your alms, do not make a trumpet to be blown before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets in order to be praised by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward. ³ But when you give, let not your left hand know what your right hand does, ⁴ so that your giving may be secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.

⁵ And when you pray, do not be as the hypocrites are. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, because they want to be seen by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward. ⁶ But when you pray, enter into your chamber and shut the door to, and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.

⁷ And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions like the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. ⁸ Be not like them therefore. For your Father knows what you need before you ask of him. ⁹ Pray therefore in this manner:

¹⁴ For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. ¹⁵ But if you will not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive you your trespasses.

¹⁶ Moreover, when you fast, do not be sad like the hypocrites are. For they disfigure their faces so they may be seen by men, how they fast. Truly I say to you, they have their reward. ¹⁷ But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, ¹⁸ so that it does not appear to men that you are fasting, but to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.