Matthew 6:31
Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
Matthew 6:31 (KJV)
Context
This verse is part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, within a passage where He teaches His disciples about trusting in God’s provision rather than being anxious about worldly concerns. The word “Therefore” connects it to the preceding argument about the futility of worry and God’s care for His creation. In the previous verses, Jesus emphasizes that God knows our needs and will provide for His faithful followers. This verse is part of Jesus’ encouragement to have faith in God’s provision and not be consumed by worry.
Meaning
The phrase “take no thought” in the King James Version does not mean to be careless or lazy, but rather “do not be anxious” or “do not worry.” Jesus is instructing His disciples not to be preoccupied with concerns about basic necessities of life. He calls them to a higher perspective and trust in God’s care. The three questions—what we shall eat, drink, or wear—repeat the things mentioned in the preceding verse (Matthew 6:25). The command is not merely to avoid worry, but also to avoid the anxious, faithless speech that accompanies it: “saying, What shall we eat?” It is lawful to take proper care and thought for present needs, but it is wrong to be anxiously concerned for the future.
Spiritual Insight
The command not to take thought is tied to the speech that follows it: "saying, What shall we eat?" The worry is not a silent feeling but an anxious conversation, whether spoken aloud or rehearsed within the mind. Jesus forbids the kind of talk that reduces life to a frantic calculation about food, drink, and clothing. Such speech treats the Father as though He were unaware of our needs or unwilling to meet them. The believer's confidence is not in having every detail of the future settled in advance, but in the character of the Father who already knows what His children require.
Biblical connections
Jesus’ teaching in this verse highlights the importance of priorities in a believer’s life. He contrasts the concerns of worldly needs with the pursuit of God’s kingdom. Jesus is not suggesting that we ignore our physical needs but rather emphasizing that seeking God’s kingdom should be our primary focus. He assures His followers that if they seek God’s kingdom first, their essential needs will be provided by God. The immediate context points to the positive alternative: to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33), with the assurance that God will take care of the believer’s needs.
Application
As we reflect on Matthew 6:31, we can apply its teachings in our lives by:
Prioritizing God’s kingdom: Seek to grow in your relationship with God, living according to His principles, and actively participating in His work.
Trusting God’s provision: Develop a deeper trust in God’s faithfulness and His ability to provide for your needs.
Overcoming worry: Recognize the futility of excessive worry and choose to cast your cares upon God, knowing that He cares for you.
Cultivating contentment: Focus on the blessings you already have and practice gratitude. Find satisfaction in the presence of God rather than material possessions.
By applying these principles, we can experience greater peace, contentment, and a stronger reliance on God’s provision in our lives.
Reflection
Jesus’ teaching in this verse challenges our tendency to worry and be consumed by material concerns. He invites us to cultivate a spirit of contentment and trust in God’s faithfulness. By recognizing that God is our provider, we can find peace and rest in Him, knowing that He will take care of us.
