3 But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:
3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,
3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,
3 When you help someone out, don't think about how it looks.
3 But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,
3 But when you give to someone in need, don't let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Matthew 6:3
Commentary on Matthew 6:1-4
(Read Matthew 6:1-4)
Our Lord next warned against hypocrisy and outward show in religious duties. What we do, must be done from an inward principle, that we may be approved of God, not that we may be praised of men. In these verses we are cautioned against hypocrisy in giving alms. Take heed of it. It is a subtle sin; and vain-glory creeps into what we do, before we are aware. But the duty is not the less necessary and excellent for being abused by hypocrites to serve their pride. The doom Christ passes, at first may seem a promise, but it is their reward; not the reward God promises to those who do good, but the reward hypocrites promise themselves, and a poor reward it is; they did it to be seen of men, and they are seen of men. When we take least notice of our good deeds ourselves, God takes most notice of them. He will reward thee; not as a master who gives his servant what he earns, and no more, but as a Father who gives abundantly to his son that serves him.