Matthew 6:3
But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:
Matthew 6:3 (KJV)
Context
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches His disciples about righteous living, including the proper way to give to the needy. He contrasts the outward show of hypocrites with the inward sincerity of true discipleship, emphasizing that acts of righteousness must be done with the right motive, not for attention or praise.
Meaning
The term “alms” refers to acts of charity or giving to the poor and needy. In Jewish culture, almsgiving was a religious duty and an important act of righteousness. Jesus encourages His followers to engage in such acts, but He cautions against doing them with the intention of gaining recognition.
Jesus uses figurative language when He says, “let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth.” This is a proverbial and hyperbolical expression emphasizing secrecy. It means do not even acquaint your nearest and dearest friend with it; let not one who sits at your left hand know what you are doing with your right hand. The command is not to be taken literally but refers to giving in secret, contrasting with the hypocrites who give to be seen by others.
The motive behind giving is crucial. It should stem from a genuine desire to help, not from a desire for public acclaim or self-glorification. Jesus calls His disciples to cultivate humility and sincerity, focusing on the welfare of others rather than personal recognition.
Application
This verse challenges us to examine our motives when it comes to charity and giving. It reminds us to cultivate a heart of humility, sincerity, and selflessness. Rather than seeking recognition or praise, our focus should be on lovingly serving others and meeting their needs.
Overall: Matthew 6:3 teaches the importance of sincere and discreet acts of charity, emphasizing that the motive behind our giving is paramount. It reminds us to do good for the sake of others and to seek God’s approval and reward rather than the applause of people.
