Matthew 6:3
Verse
Context
Giving to the Needy
2So when you give to the needy, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. Truly I tell you, they already have their full reward.3But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,4so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
Sermons





Summary
Commentary
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth--So far from making a display of it, dwell not on it even in thine own thoughts, lest it minister to spiritual pride.
John Gill Bible Commentary
But when thou dost alms,.... Do it so privately, and with so much secrecy, that, if it was possible, thou mightest not know it thyself, much less make it known to others: let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doth; acquaint not thy nearest and dearest friend with it; let not one that sits at thy left hand know what thou art doing with thy right hand; it is a proverbial and hyperbolical phrase, expressing the secrecy of the action. It is a Jewish canon (p), that "he that gives a gift to his friend out of love, may make it known, , "but not if it be by way of alms".'' (p) Piske Tosephot in Sabbat. c. 1. art. 134.
Matthew 6:3
Giving to the Needy
2So when you give to the needy, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. Truly I tell you, they already have their full reward.3But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,4so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Christ Is All - in Scripture
By Bill McLeod1.6K46:28Fulness Of ChristPSA 2:10PSA 40:7PSA 41:9MAT 1:21MAT 28:19MRK 14:62COL 3:11TIT 3:7PHM 1:1In this sermon, the speaker begins by referencing Mark 16 and Luke 1 from the Bible. He highlights how Jesus reproached his disciples for their lack of belief in his resurrection and then commanded them to preach the gospel to the world. The speaker also mentions that some versions of the Bible omit miracles and end with Jesus' death on the cross, portraying him as a good man and advocate of peace. However, the speaker emphasizes that the Bible is truly all about Jesus and explores the significance of his ministry and his role as the Son of God.
Godly Marriages - 1.godly Husbands, Wives and Parents
By Zac Poonen9891:31:45GEN 2:24PRO 3:27MAT 6:3JHN 16:131CO 10:13EPH 6:21TI 5:8HEB 11:6JAS 4:7This sermon emphasizes the importance of faith in marriage, highlighting the need for couples to trust God for unity, to overcome obstacles that hinder oneness, and to be overcomers with God's help. It discusses the reality of facing challenges in married life and the assurance that God is there to assist in overcoming them. The sermon also touches on the balance of caring for parents in need while maintaining family responsibilities.
The Love of Money - Part 5
By Zac Poonen83909:17MAT 6:3LUK 19:9Salvation comes when a person's attitude towards money changes, reflecting a heart transformed by Jesus. Jesus seeks to save those lost in the love of money, just as He saves those lost in sin, emphasizing the need for acknowledgment of one's lost state. Giving is highlighted as a crucial aspect of Christian life, emphasizing giving back what rightfully belongs to others before giving to God, giving to the poor, and giving sacrificially with a cheerful heart, all done in secret for God's honor alone.
Compared View of the First Three Gospels, Etc.
By John Nelson Darby0The GospelsChrist's MinistryMAT 1:1MAT 4:17MAT 5:1MAT 9:35MAT 11:28MAT 28:19MRK 1:14LUK 3:23LUK 4:18John Nelson Darby discusses the distinct characteristics and purposes of the first three Gospels, emphasizing that Mark presents a chronological account of Christ's service, while Matthew focuses on the presentation of Jesus as the Messiah and the implications of His rejection. He notes that Luke, while generally following Mark's order, includes moral teachings that are unique to his Gospel. Darby highlights the importance of understanding the genealogies and the context of Christ's ministry, particularly in relation to Israel's expectations and the establishment of the church. He concludes that the Gospels collectively reveal the nature of Christ's mission and the unfolding of God's plan for humanity.
(New Wine in New Wineskins) 18. Being Ready for the Coming of Christ
By Zac Poonen0Faithfulness in ServiceReadiness for Christ's ReturnMAT 6:3MAT 7:22MAT 24:42MAT 24:44MAT 25:1LUK 17:28ROM 12:21JN 3:3Zac Poonen emphasizes the importance of being spiritually ready for the return of Christ rather than focusing on the exact timing of His coming. He highlights that many believers fail to purify themselves daily, indicating that their hope in Christ's return is not alive. Poonen discusses three key areas of faithfulness: maintaining a hidden life of purity, using God-given talents for His glory, and serving fellow believers with genuine love and concern. He warns against self-deception, urging believers to cultivate an inner life that reflects true readiness for Christ's return. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a reorientation of priorities towards God and others, rather than self-centeredness.
Both Sides of the Coin
By K.P. Yohannan0Extremism in ReligionBalance in FaithMAT 6:3K.P. Yohannan emphasizes the necessity of balance in our lives, likening it to a tightrope walk where one must maintain equilibrium to avoid falling. He explains that both Christians and non-Christians need to cultivate balance in their thoughts and actions, which can be found in the Word of God. Yohannan warns against the dangers of extremism in faith, illustrating how movements can lose their passion and purpose when they stray from balance. He uses biblical examples to show that truth often has two sides, and that understanding both is crucial for a healthy spiritual life. Ultimately, he calls for a continual commitment to living a balanced life that honors God without falling into extremes.
The Weight Could Not Be Found Out.
By F.B. Meyer0DevotionGenerosity2CH 4:18MAT 6:3F.B. Meyer emphasizes the beauty of unmeasured generosity in serving God, illustrating that true devotion transcends the need for accounting what we give. He draws parallels between the liberality of Solomon's people and Mary's extravagant gift of spikenard, highlighting that genuine giving comes from a heart overflowing with love rather than a desire for recognition. Meyer reflects on God's boundless generosity, which surpasses our understanding and expectations, encouraging believers to give freely and joyfully without keeping score.
Princely Service
By T. Austin-Sparks0PrincelinessThe CrossNUM 7:1MAT 6:3GAL 6:14PHP 2:9T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes that God's people are a princely people, reflecting the character of the Lord Jesus. He explains that true princeliness is marked by spiritual dignity, stature, and wealth, which are derived from a deep appreciation of the Cross. The sermon highlights that princeliness is not about outward display but about a humble, generous spirit that seeks to serve beyond mere obligation. Sparks encourages believers to embody this princely nature in all aspects of life, demonstrating the grandeur of Christ through their actions and attitudes. Ultimately, he calls for a spontaneous and heartfelt expression of worship and service that honors the significance of the Cross.
Giving Without a Whisper
By C.H. Spurgeon0Secret GivingGenerosityMAT 6:3C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the importance of giving in secret, as highlighted in Matthew 6:3-4, where true charity is done without seeking recognition or reward from others. He encourages believers to give so naturally that it becomes a part of their daily lives, akin to eating meals, and to avoid self-congratulation for their generosity. Spurgeon assures that God sees and rewards those who give quietly, promising that the joy found in secret acts of kindness surpasses any earthly reward. He reminds us that the true value of our giving will be revealed in eternity, as God will reward in His perfect timing and manner.
1 Timothy 5:8
By St. John Chrysostom0GEN 22:7PSA 41:1ECC 7:2ISA 58:7MAT 6:3MAT 25:40ACT 6:5PHP 1:211TI 5:8John Chrysostom emphasizes the importance of providing for one's own family, especially those closely related, as a demonstration of faith and care. He highlights the need to prioritize the well-being of family members over others, showing affection and support to those who are connected by kinship. Chrysostom warns against neglecting one's relatives while benefiting strangers, as it goes against the laws of God and nature. He encourages widows to be of good reputation, well-reported for good works, and to diligently follow every good work, including caring for children, lodging strangers, and relieving the afflicted.
On Not Measuring One's Progress
By Hieromonk Damascene0MAT 6:3MAT 7:14JHN 3:8ROM 12:2GAL 2:20EPH 2:8PHP 2:131JN 4:7Hieromonk Damascene emphasizes the importance of spiritual transformation, cautioning against measuring our progress which can lead to pride or despair. Instead, he advises letting God be the judge of our progress and focusing on self-accusation rather than self-condemnation. Spiritual transformation, facilitated by the Grace of the Holy Spirit, is imperceptible in the moment and only noticeable in hindsight. Damascene encourages continual re-creation into the likeness of Christ through repentance, inner watchfulness, and putting to death hidden passions for the sake of Christ, ultimately leading to deification and perfect love with God and His saints.
Exposition on Psalm 121
By St. Augustine0PSA 120:1PSA 120:3MAT 6:3JHN 1:16St. Augustine preaches on the importance of seeking help from God, emphasizing that our help comes from Him and His fullness. He urges believers to pray for guidance and protection, highlighting the dangers of pride and the need to trust in God who never sleeps or slumbers. Augustine encourages choosing God as our keeper, as He alone can preserve us from all evil and temptations, safeguarding our souls for eternity.
Biblical Principles of Christian Giving
By Colin Peckham02CH 31:21MAT 6:3MAT 25:21MRK 12:441CO 4:21CO 16:22CO 5:102CO 8:122CO 9:72CO 9:15EPH 5:3Colin Peckham emphasizes that Christian giving is an act of worship and thanksgiving to God, reflecting the believer's devotion and loyalty. The sermon highlights the importance of giving systematically, proportionately, individually, cheerfully, wholeheartedly, sacrificially, willingly, purposefully, faithfully, responsibly, generously, secretly, honestly, gratefully, and accountably, stressing the need for genuine motives and heartfelt surrender to Christ in stewardship.
Luke 8:1-3. the Women Who Followed Jesus.
By Favell Lee Mortimer0MAT 6:3MAT 9:37MRK 3:19MRK 16:9LUK 8:12CO 5:11PHP 2:8HEB 10:241PE 5:5Favell Lee Mortimer preaches about the diligence, poverty, and humility of Jesus, emphasizing the importance of promoting the salvation of others and the need for earnest inquiry into personal salvation. The sermon highlights the devoted women who followed Jesus, like Mary Magdalene and the wife of Herod's steward, showcasing their love and faithfulness. Jesus, in his poverty, accepted support from these women, demonstrating humility and setting an example for believers. The sermon also explores the misunderstanding of Jesus' actions by his friends, illustrating how the world may not comprehend the motives of devoted Christians who are earnest in their faith.
Being Ready for the Coming of the Lord
By Zac Poonen0MAT 6:3MAT 7:22MAT 24:42MAT 25:401JN 3:3Zac Poonen preaches on the importance of being spiritually ready for the return of Christ, emphasizing the need for inner purity and faithfulness before God, rather than just outward appearances or knowledge of prophetic facts. He highlights the significance of faithfulness in the hidden life, ministry, and serving fellow believers as key areas to focus on to be prepared for Christ's coming.
He That Gives to the Poor Shall Not Lack
By Rees Howells0PRO 11:25MAT 6:3LUK 6:38ACT 20:352CO 9:7Rees Howells shares a powerful testimony of a transformative experience where he was moved by the Lord to help a man in dire need. Initially offering only half of what was required, he felt convicted to give all he had, leading to a profound change in his heart and attitude towards giving. This encounter marked a pivotal moment in his life, shifting his focus towards generosity and compassion for those in need, ultimately leading him to live a life dedicated to giving.
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth--So far from making a display of it, dwell not on it even in thine own thoughts, lest it minister to spiritual pride.
John Gill Bible Commentary
But when thou dost alms,.... Do it so privately, and with so much secrecy, that, if it was possible, thou mightest not know it thyself, much less make it known to others: let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doth; acquaint not thy nearest and dearest friend with it; let not one that sits at thy left hand know what thou art doing with thy right hand; it is a proverbial and hyperbolical phrase, expressing the secrecy of the action. It is a Jewish canon (p), that "he that gives a gift to his friend out of love, may make it known, , "but not if it be by way of alms".'' (p) Piske Tosephot in Sabbat. c. 1. art. 134.