New Testament

Matthew 6:1

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this verse, Jesus warns against performing good deeds for the sake of public recognition.

Author
Matthew the apostle
Written
Around AD 60-70
Genre
Gospel
Original Audience
Jewish Christians
CBTClear Bible Translation

"Be careful not to do your good deeds in front of others just so they'll notice you. If you do, you won't receive any reward from your Father in heaven.

KJVKing James Version

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.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, Jesus warns against performing good deeds for the sake of public recognition. He emphasizes that if your motivation for helping others is to gain praise or admiration from people, then you will miss out on the true reward from God. The focus should be on the intention behind the actions rather than the visibility of those actions. True goodness comes from a sincere heart that seeks to please God rather than seeking approval from others. This teaching encourages believers to act with humility and integrity, ensuring that their charitable acts are done quietly and without fanfare. By doing so, they align themselves with God's will and can expect a reward from Him, which is far more valuable than any earthly recognition. This principle applies not only to giving but to all acts of kindness and service, reminding us to keep our motives pure and focused on God’s glory rather than our own.

How to apply Matthew 6:1 to your life

When you perform acts of kindness, do so quietly and without seeking attention. Focus on helping others for the right reasons, knowing that God sees your heart. This approach fosters genuine relationships and aligns your actions with God's will.

Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Matthew 6:1 mean?

Matthew 6:1 teaches that good deeds should not be done for the sake of being seen by others. Instead, the focus should be on the intention behind the actions, emphasizing that true rewards come from God when acts of kindness are performed sincerely.

What is the meaning of good deeds in Matthew 6:1?

In Matthew 6:1, good deeds refer to acts of charity and kindness done to help others. The verse warns against performing these acts for public recognition, highlighting that the motivation should be to please God rather than to seek praise from people.

How can I apply Matthew 6:1 in my life?

To apply Matthew 6:1, perform acts of kindness quietly and without seeking attention. Focus on helping others for the right reasons, knowing that God values your sincerity and sees your heart.

The Book of Matthew
Book Summary

The Book of Matthew

Matthew 1: The Generation and Birth of Jesus Christ

The book begins with the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. It records the generations from Abraham to David, from David until the carrying away into Babylon, and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ, each being fourteen generations. The genealogy concludes with Jacob begetting Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.

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