What is the meaning of Matthew 6:2? So when you give to the needy Jesus assumes His followers will give. Generosity is not optional; it is woven into obedience. Other passages reinforce this normal practice: “There will never cease to be poor in the land; therefore I command you to open wide your hand” (Deuteronomy 15:11). Likewise, “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD” (Proverbs 19:17) and “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). The Savior’s wording—“when,” not “if”—frames almsgiving as a regular, grateful response to God’s grace. do not sound a trumpet before you The image is vivid: drawing noisy attention to yourself before you help someone. Even if no literal horn is blown, self-promotion can be loud in other ways—social media boasts, casual name-dropping, or calculated photo-ops. Paul reminds us, “If I give all I possess to the poor but have not love, I gain nothing” (1 Corinthians 13:3). Quiet giving guards the heart from pride and keeps the spotlight on the Lord who supplies both the gift and the giver. as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets “Hypocrites” refers to religious actors who stage righteousness for an audience. In Matthew 23:5 they “do all their deeds to be seen by men.” Whether inside sacred spaces (“synagogues”) or public squares (“streets”), the motive is the same: applause. Jesus later warns, “Beware of the scribes… who like greetings in the marketplaces” (Luke 20:46). True devotion does not change with the setting; integrity stays consistent whether pews or pavement surround us. to be honored by men Human praise is a small, fragile reward, yet it can captivate the heart. John 12:43 exposes the danger: “They loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.” Paul asks, “Am I now seeking the approval of men, or of God?” (Galatians 1:10). When applause becomes the goal, God’s glory is displaced, and giving turns into self-advertisement. Truly I tell you Jesus introduces an authoritative declaration. Each “Truly” (Amen) underscores absolute reliability. Earlier He affirmed, “Until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter… will by any means disappear from the Law” (Matthew 5:18). What follows is not a suggestion; it is a certainty delivered by the One who cannot lie. they already have their full reward Public admiration is immediate, but it exhausts the account—nothing remains for eternity. Luke 6:24 issues the sober verdict: “Woe to you who are rich, for you have already received your comfort.” In contrast, hidden generosity stores treasure in heaven (Matthew 6:4), and works done for Christ survive the testing fire (1 Corinthians 3:14). Choose the reward that lasts. summary Giving is expected, but motives matter. Quiet, Christ-centered generosity pleases the Father and lays up eternal treasure, while public showmanship earns fleeting applause—and nothing more. |
    |