Matthew 6:1

Berean Standard Bible

“Be careful not to perform your righteous acts before men to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.

King James Bible

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.

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The verse Matthew 6:1, as found in the New International Version, states: “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.” This verse serves as the introduction to a pivotal section of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, where he addresses the practice of religious acts such as giving, prayer, and fasting. It sets the tone for a teaching that challenges superficial piety and calls for a heart-oriented righteousness that seeks the approval of God rather than the applause of men. To fully unpack the meaning of this verse, we must explore its context within the Sermon on the Mount, its theological depth, its cultural backdrop, and its practical implications for disciples seeking to live authentically before God in a world often driven by appearances.

In the broader context of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus is outlining the nature of true righteousness, which surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees. He has already described the character of kingdom citizens—those who are poor in spirit, merciful, pure in heart, and peacemakers—and has called them to a love that extends even to enemies. Now, in chapter 6, Jesus turns to the practice of righteousness, focusing on how disciples live out their faith in concrete acts of devotion. The opening verse serves as a warning against a common temptation: performing righteous deeds for the sake of human recognition. The phrase “to be seen by them” suggests a deliberate intent to draw attention to oneself, to cultivate an image of piety that prioritizes human praise over divine approval. Jesus’ warning is not against public acts of faith but against the heart’s motive—acts done for self-glorification rather than for the glory of God.

The cultural context of this verse is critical to understanding its force. In first-century Jewish society, religious observance was deeply communal, and acts of piety such as almsgiving, prayer, and fasting were often visible to others. These practices were seen as markers of devotion, and public recognition could elevate one’s social or religious standing. The scribes and Pharisees, whom Jesus critiques throughout the Sermon, were known for their ostentatious displays of righteousness, using their piety to gain influence and respect. Jesus’ words cut against this cultural norm, exposing the emptiness of a righteousness that seeks human approval. By contrast, he calls his disciples to a righteousness that is rooted in humility and sincerity, performed for an audience of One—the Father in heaven.

Theologically, Matthew 6:1 underscores the centrality of the heart in the life of faith. Jesus is not merely concerned with external behavior but with the inner disposition that drives it. The phrase “practice your righteousness” implies an active, intentional living out of faith, but the warning “be careful” highlights the need for vigilance against self-deception. The human heart is prone to pride, seeking validation from others to affirm its worth. Jesus’ teaching redirects this impulse, pointing disciples to the Father who sees in secret and rewards according to his perfect justice. The “reward” mentioned here is not a material payoff or a means of earning salvation but the spiritual blessing of communion with God, the joy of living in alignment with his will, and the assurance of his approval. This reward contrasts sharply with the fleeting praise of men, which fades as quickly as it is gained.

The phrase “your Father in heaven” is significant, appearing repeatedly in this section of the Sermon. It emphasizes the intimate, relational nature of God’s authority and care. The Father is not a distant judge but a loving parent who knows the hearts of his children and desires their devotion to be genuine. This relational dynamic shifts the motivation for righteousness from external validation to filial love—a desire to please the Father who sees and knows all. Jesus’ teaching here echoes the broader theme of the Sermon on the Mount: true righteousness is not about outward conformity to rules but about an inward transformation that flows from a heart surrendered to God.

Practically, this verse challenges disciples to examine the motives behind their actions. It is easy to fall into the trap of performing good deeds—whether giving to the poor, praying, or serving others—for the sake of recognition. In our modern context, this temptation takes new forms. Social media platforms amplify the opportunity to showcase acts of charity, devotion, or moral virtue, often with the subtle (or not-so-subtle) aim of gaining likes, followers, or admiration. Even in private settings, we may seek the approval of peers, family, or religious communities, measuring our worth by their response. Jesus’ words confront this tendency, urging us to ask: Are we acting for God’s glory or our own? Are our deeds rooted in love for the Father or in a desire to be seen as righteous?

The call to avoid practicing righteousness “in front of others to be seen by them” does not mean that all acts of faith must be hidden. Jesus himself performed miracles publicly, and the Sermon on the Mount encourages disciples to let their light shine before others so that God may be glorified. The issue is not visibility but intent. A public act done with a humble heart, seeking only to honor God, is vastly different from one performed to garner praise. This requires constant self-examination and dependence on the Holy Spirit, who searches the heart and reveals hidden motives. It also calls for a reorientation of priorities, where the approval of God becomes the ultimate aim, far surpassing the fleeting affirmation of others.

Theologically, this verse points to the transformative power of the gospel. The righteousness Jesus describes is not achievable through human effort alone, for the heart is prone to pride and self-deception. It is only through the work of Christ, who fulfilled all righteousness, and the indwelling of the Spirit that disciples can live with sincerity and humility. The gospel frees us from the need to seek human approval, for in Christ we are already accepted by the Father. This liberation allows us to act not out of insecurity or ambition but out of gratitude and love, trusting that the Father who sees in secret will reward us according to his perfect will.

The verse also carries an eschatological dimension. The “reward” from the Father in heaven points to the ultimate hope of the kingdom, where God’s justice will be fully revealed, and every deed done for his glory will be acknowledged. This hope sustains disciples in a world where righteous acts may go unnoticed or unappreciated. It reminds us that our lives are lived before an eternal audience, and the Father’s approval is of infinitely greater value than the praise of men. This perspective reorients our priorities, encouraging us to seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, trusting that all else will be added according to his promise.

In applying Matthew 6:1, we are called to cultivate a life of authenticity and humility. This begins with prayerful reflection, asking the Spirit to reveal any motives driven by pride or a desire for recognition. It means choosing to serve quietly when no one is watching, giving generously without broadcasting it, and praying with a heart focused on God alone. In a culture obsessed with image and validation, this verse invites us to embrace the freedom of living for God’s glory. It challenges us to let go of the need to prove our worth to others, resting instead in the assurance that we are seen, known, and loved by our Father in heaven.

Ultimately, Matthew 6:1 calls us to a righteousness that flows from a transformed heart. It is a reminder that true discipleship is not about performing for an audience but about living in intimate relationship with the Father. As we seek to practice our righteousness before him, we reflect the character of Christ, who lived not for his own glory but for the glory of the One who sent him. May we, as disciples, heed this warning, guard our hearts against the lure of human praise, and pursue a life of sincere devotion, trusting that the Father who sees in secret will reward us with the joy of his presence and the hope of his kingdom.

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Grace and peace to you, beloved brothers and sisters in Christ, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who has called us out of the shadows of self-glory into the radiant light of his kingdom. I write to you as a fellow servant, not as one who has mastered the way of righteousness, but as one compelled by the Spirit to proclaim the words of our Savior, who in his Sermon on the Mount declares, “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.” These words pierce the heart, exposing the subtle pride that lurks within and calling us to a life of humble devotion, lived not for the applause of men but for the glory of God. Let us reflect deeply on this truth, that our lives may shine as a testimony to the gospel and draw others to the One who sees in secret.

Consider, dear friends, the context of our Lord’s teaching, set within the majestic vision of the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus unveils the righteousness of God’s kingdom—a righteousness that surpasses the outward displays of the scribes and Pharisees. He has called us to be poor in spirit, merciful, pure in heart, and to love even our enemies with a love that mirrors the Father’s. Now, he turns to the practice of our faith, warning us against the temptation to perform our righteous deeds for human recognition. To practice righteousness “to be seen by others” is to seek the fleeting praise of this world, to build our identity on the shifting sands of human approval rather than the solid rock of God’s grace. Jesus’ words are a clarion call to examine our hearts, to ensure that our acts of devotion—whether giving, praying, or fasting—are offered not for self-exaltation but as an overflow of love for our Father in heaven.

In the days of Jesus, acts of piety were often public, and the temptation to use them for social gain was strong. The religious leaders of the time, with their ostentatious displays, sought to elevate their status through their visible devotion. But Jesus calls us to a different path, one marked by humility and sincerity. The warning to “be careful” is not a prohibition against public acts of faith, for we are called to let our light shine before others that they may glorify God. Rather, it is a call to guard our motives, to ensure that our righteousness flows from a heart devoted to the Father, not from a desire to be admired by men. The promise of a “reward from your Father in heaven” is not a transactional exchange but the deep joy of communion with God, the assurance that our lives are aligned with his purposes, and the hope of his eternal kingdom.

Theologically, this teaching reveals the heart of true righteousness, which is rooted in relationship with God. The Father, who sees in secret, is not a distant observer but a loving parent who knows the depths of our hearts. To practice righteousness for his sake is to live as children who delight in pleasing their Father, trusting that his approval far surpasses the fleeting praise of this world. This is the freedom of the gospel—that we, who have been reconciled to God through Christ, no longer need to seek validation from others. In Christ, we are already accepted, already loved, already declared righteous. This truth liberates us to act not out of pride or insecurity but out of gratitude, offering our lives as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God.

Yet, beloved, I know this call is not easy. The human heart is prone to pride, craving the affirmation of others to affirm its worth. In our modern age, this temptation takes new forms. The platforms of our day amplify our ability to showcase our generosity, our prayers, our good deeds, often with the subtle aim of gaining admiration or influence. Even in quieter moments, we may seek the approval of our peers, our families, or our churches, measuring our faith by their response. Jesus’ words confront us with a piercing question: Are we living for the eyes of others or for the eyes of our Father? To practice righteousness in secret is to choose the unseen reward of God’s presence over the seen reward of human praise, trusting that what is done for him will never be in vain.

Practically, this teaching calls us to a life of authenticity and humility. Let us begin by examining our motives, asking the Spirit to search our hearts and reveal any desire for self-glory. When you give to the poor, do so quietly, not broadcasting your generosity. When you pray, seek moments of solitude where your words are for God alone, not for the ears of others. When you serve, do so with a heart that seeks only to honor the Father, not to gain recognition. In a world obsessed with image and validation, this call to secrecy is a radical act of faith, a declaration that our worth is found in Christ alone. It is an invitation to let go of the need to prove ourselves, to rest in the assurance that the Father who sees in secret knows us fully and loves us completely.

This verse also carries a profound hope, for it points to the eternal reward of the kingdom. The praise of men is fleeting, but the reward of the Father endures forever. Every act of righteousness done for his glory, every deed offered in secret, is seen and treasured by the One who will one day make all things right. This hope sustains us when our efforts go unnoticed, when our sacrifices are unappreciated, when our faithfulness seems to yield no reward in this present age. As citizens of God’s kingdom, we live for an eternal audience, trusting that the Father’s approval is of infinitely greater value than the accolades of this world. Let this truth anchor you, beloved, as you seek to live out your faith in a culture that exalts appearances.

I urge you, brothers and sisters, to embrace the freedom of this teaching. The gospel has set you free from the need to perform for others, for in Christ you are already accepted by the Father. Let your righteousness be an offering of love, a response to the grace that has saved you. When you give, pray, or serve, do so with a heart fixed on God, trusting that he sees what is done in secret and will reward you with the joy of his presence. In your churches, in your homes, in the public square, let your life be a testimony to the transformative power of the gospel, pointing others to the God who sees and knows all. By living for his glory, you proclaim that his kingdom is greater than the kingdoms of this world.

Now to him who is able to purify our hearts and strengthen us for every good work, to him who sees in secret and rewards with eternal life, be glory, honor, and power through Jesus Christ our Lord, now and forevermore. Amen.

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O God of all wisdom and grace, Father of infinite love, Son of perfect righteousness, and Spirit of transforming power, we come before you with hearts humbled by your Word, stirred by the voice of our Savior, Jesus Christ, who declares, “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.” These words, spoken on the mount, lay bare the motives of our hearts and call us to a life of authentic devotion, lived not for the praise of this world but for the glory of your name. We stand in awe of you, the God who sees in secret, who knows the depths of our souls, and who invites us into the joy of your presence. Hear our prayer, O Lord, and by your Spirit, purify our intentions, that our lives may reflect the beauty of your kingdom.

We confess, O Father, that our hearts are often swayed by the desire for human approval. Too readily, we practice our righteousness—our giving, our prayers, our acts of service—with an eye toward the recognition of others, seeking to build our worth on the fleeting applause of this age. We have craved the affirmation of those around us, measuring our faith by their praise rather than by your truth. Forgive us, Lord, for the ways we have sought the spotlight of human glory, for the times we have performed our devotion to be seen rather than to honor you. You, who see in secret, who know every thought and intent, have called us to a higher way—a righteousness rooted in love for you, offered in humility, and sustained by your grace.

Lord Jesus, you who lived not for your own glory but for the glory of the Father, you who gave yourself in quiet obedience even to the cross, teach us to walk in your footsteps. Your warning to “be careful” is a gift, a call to guard our hearts against the lure of pride and to fix our eyes on the Father who rewards in secret. We pray for the grace to offer our acts of faith—our generosity, our prayers, our service—not as a performance for others but as an offering of love to you. Let our righteousness flow from a heart transformed by your gospel, a heart that seeks your approval alone, trusting that your reward is far greater than the fleeting praise of this world.

Holy Spirit, you who search the heart and renew the mind, empower us to live with sincerity and humility. We cannot escape the pull of pride in our own strength, for our hearts are prone to self-exaltation. Fill us with your presence, that our motives may be purified and our actions aligned with the Father’s will. Guide our hands to give generously without fanfare, our lips to pray with earnestness in the quiet of your presence, our lives to serve with a love that seeks no reward but your glory. In a world that thrives on appearances, let us be a people who live for an audience of One, reflecting the authenticity of the gospel in every deed, every word, every thought.

We lift up to you, O God, the brokenness of our world, where so many seek validation through outward displays, where the pursuit of recognition divides and distracts. Grant us the courage to live differently, to practice our righteousness in secret, to love you with hearts undivided by the lure of human praise. May your church, your body, be a community of humility and grace, where acts of faith are offered not for show but for your glory. Let us be a light to those around us, not by seeking their admiration, but by pointing them to the Father who sees all, loves all, and invites all into his kingdom. Help us to rest in the assurance that you see what is done in secret and will reward according to your perfect justice.

O Lord, our hope and our joy, we long for the day when your kingdom will come in fullness, when every heart will be laid bare before you, and every act done for your glory will be revealed. Until that day, keep us steadfast in the way of humility, trusting that you see our hidden deeds and treasure our sincere devotion. Sustain us by your grace, that we may live not for the approval of this world but for the delight of knowing you, of being found in you, of sharing in the mission of your Son, who lived and died to bring us into your family. May our lives proclaim the truth of the gospel, drawing others to the God who sees, knows, and loves without measure.

We offer this prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.