Matthew 6

Giving to the Needy

1 "Beware of r practicing your righteousness before other people in order s to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.

2 t "Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may u be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have v received their reward. 3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. w And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

The Lord's Prayer

5 "And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love x to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. y Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 6 But when you pray, z go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. a And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

7 "And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as b the Gentiles do, for c they think that they will be heard d for their many words. 8 Do not be like them, e for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

9 f Pray then like this:
g "Our Father in heaven,
h hallowed be i your name. 1
10 j Your kingdom come,
k your will be done, 2
l on earth as it is in heaven.
11 m Give us n this day our daily bread, 3
12 and forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 And o lead us not into temptation,
but p deliver us from q evil. 4

14 r For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, 15 s but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Fasting

16 "And t when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. u Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 17 But when you fast, v anoint your head and wash your face, 18 that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. w And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

Lay Up Treasures in Heaven

19 x "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where y moth and rust 5 destroy and where thieves z break in and steal, 20 x but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

22 a "The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, 23 a but if b your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!

24 c "No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and d money. 6

Do Not Be Anxious

25 e "Therefore I tell you, f do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 26 g Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. h Are you not of more value than they? 27 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his i span of life? 7 28 And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, 29 yet I tell you, j even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, k O you of little faith? 31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32 For l the Gentiles seek after all these things, and m your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33 But n seek first o the kingdom of God and his righteousness, p and all these things will be added to you.

34 q "Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

  1. Cross References
    1 John 2:29
    If you know that he is righteous, you may be sure that everyone who practices righteousness has been born of him.
  2. Cross References
    Matthew 6:16
    And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.
    Matthew 23:5
    They do all their deeds to be seen by others. For they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long.
  3. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 13:3
    If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.
  4. Cross References
    John 5:44
    How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?
  5. Cross References
    Luke 6:24
    But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation.
  6. Cross References
    Matthew 6:6
    But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
    Matthew 6:18
    That your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
  7. Cross References
    Mark 11:25
    And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.
    Luke 18:11
    The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector.
  8. Cross References
    Matthew 6:2
    Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.
    Matthew 6:16
    And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.
  9. Cross References
    2 Kings 4:33
    So he went in and shut the door behind the two of them and prayed to the Lord.
    Isaiah 26:20
    Come, my people, enter your chambers, and shut your doors behind you; hide yourselves for a little while until the fury has passed by.
  10. Cross References
    Matthew 6:4
    So that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
    Matthew 6:18
    That your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
  11. Cross References
    Matthew 6:32
    For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.
    Matthew 5:47
    And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?
  12. Cross References
    1 Kings 18:26
    And they took the bull that was given them, and they prepared it and called upon the name of Baal from morning until noon, saying, "O Baal, answer us!" But there was no voice, and no one answered. And they limped around the altar that they had made.
  13. Cross References
    Proverbs 10:19
    When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.
    Ecclesiastes 5:2
    Be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word before God, for God is in heaven and you are on earth. Therefore let your words be few.
  14. Cross References
    Matthew 6:32
    For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.
  15. Cross References
    Matthew 6:9 - 13
    Pray then like this: "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.
    Luke 11:2 - 4
    And he said to them, "When you pray, say: "Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come.
  16. Cross References
    Matthew 6:1
    Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.
  17. Cross References
    Isaiah 29:23
    For when he sees his children, the work of my hands, in his midst, they will sanctify my name; they will sanctify the Holy One of Jacob and will stand in awe of the God of Israel.
    Luke 1:49
    For he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.
    1 Peter 3:15
    But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.
  18. Cross References
    John 17:6
    I have manifested your name to the people whom you gave me out of the world. Yours they were, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word.
  19. Cross References
    Matthew 3:2
    "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."
    Matthew 4:17
    From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
  20. Cross References
    Matthew 26:42
    Again, for the second time, he went away and prayed, "My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.
    Luke 22:42
    Saying, "Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.
    Acts 21:14
    And since he would not be persuaded, we ceased and said, "Let the will of the Lord be done.
    Matthew 12:50
    For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.
    Hebrews 13:21
    Equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
  21. Cross References
    Psalms 103:20 - 21
    Bless the Lord, O you his angels, you mighty ones who do his word, obeying the voice of his word!
    Daniel 4:35
    All the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and he does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand or say to him, "What have you done?
  22. Cross References
    Proverbs 30:8
    Remove far from me falsehood and lying; give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me.
  23. Cross References
    Matthew 6:34
    Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
  24. Cross References
    Matthew 26:41
    Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
    Mark 14:38
    Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
    Luke 22:40
    And when he came to the place, he said to them, "Pray that you may not enter into temptation.
    Luke 22:46
    And he said to them, "Why are you sleeping? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation.
    1 Corinthians 10:13
    No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
  25. Cross References
    John 17:15
    I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one.
    2 Thessalonians 3:3
    But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one.
    2 Timothy 4:18
    The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
  26. Cross References
    Matthew 13:19
    When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is what was sown along the path.
  27. Cross References
    Mark 11:25
    And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.
    Luke 6:37
    Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven.
    Ephesians 4:32
    Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
    Colossians 3:13
    Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.
  28. Cross References
    Matthew 18:35
    So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.
    James 2:13
    For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
  29. Cross References
    Isaiah 58:5
    Is such the fast that I choose, a day for a person to humble himself? Is it to bow down his head like a reed, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? Will you call this a fast, and a day acceptable to the Lord ?
  30. Cross References
    Matthew 6:2
    Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.
    Matthew 6:5
    And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.
  31. Cross References
    Ruth 3:3
    Wash therefore and anoint yourself, and put on your cloak and go down to the threshing floor, but do not make yourself known to the man until he has finished eating and drinking.
    2 Samuel 12:20
    Then David arose from the earth and washed and anointed himself and changed his clothes. And he went into the house of the Lord and worshiped. He then went to his own house. And when he asked, they set food before him, and he ate.
  32. Cross References
    Matthew 6:4
    So that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
    Matthew 6:6
    But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
  33. Cross References
    Matthew 19:21
    Jesus said to him, "If you would be perfect, go...
    Luke 12:21
    So is the one who lays up treasure for himself ...
    Luke 12:33 - 34
    Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. P...
    Luke 18:22
    When Jesus heard this, he said to him, "One thi...
    1 Timothy 6:9 - 10
    But those who desire to be rich fall into tempt...
    1 Timothy 6:17 - 19
    As for the rich in this present age, charge the...
    Hebrews 13:5
    Keep your life free from love of money, and be ...
  34. Cross References
    James 5:2 - 3
    Your riches have rotted and your garments are moth-eaten.
  35. Cross References
    Matthew 24:43
    But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into.
  36. Cross References
    Matthew 6:19
    Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal.
  37. Cross References
    Luke 11:34 - 35
    Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is full of light, but when it is bad, your body is full of darkness.
  38. Cross References
    Matthew 6:22
    The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light.
  39. Cross References
    Matthew 20:15
    Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or do you begrudge my generosity?
    Deuteronomy 15:9
    Take care lest there be an unworthy thought in your heart and you say, 'The seventh year, the year of release is near,' and your eye look grudgingly on your poor brother, and you give him nothing, and he cry to the Lord against you, and you be guilty of sin.
    Proverbs 28:22
    A stingy man hastens after wealth and does not know that poverty will come upon him.
  40. Cross References
    Luke 16:13
    No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.
    Romans 6:16
    Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness?
    James 4:4
    You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.
  41. Cross References
    Luke 16:9
    And I tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of unrighteous wealth, so that when it fails they may receive you into the eternal dwellings.
    Luke 16:11
    If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches?
    Luke 16:13
    No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.
  42. Cross References
    Matthew 6:25 - 33
    Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?
    Luke 12:22 - 31
    And he said to his disciples, "Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on.
  43. Cross References
    Matthew 6:27 - 28
    And which of you by being anxious can add a sin...
    Matthew 6:31
    Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shal...
    Matthew 6:34
    Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for...
    Matthew 10:19
    When they deliver you over, do not be anxious h...
    Matthew 13:22
    As for what was sown among thorns, this is the ...
    1 Corinthians 7:32
    I want you to be free from anxieties. The unmar...
    Philippians 4:6
    Do not be anxious about anything, but in everyt...
    1 Peter 5:7
    Casting all your anxieties on him, because he c...
  44. Cross References
    Matthew 6:25 - 33
    Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?
    Luke 12:22 - 31
    And he said to his disciples, "Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on.
  45. Cross References
    Job 38:41
    Who provides for the raven its prey, when its young ones cry to God for help, and wander about for lack of food?
    Psalms 147:9
    He gives to the beasts their food, and to the young ravens that cry.
  46. Cross References
    Matthew 10:31
    Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.
  47. Cross References
    Luke 2:52
    And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.
  48. Cross References
    1 Kings 10:4 - 7
    And when the queen of Sheba had seen all the wisdom of Solomon, the house that he had built.
  49. Cross References
    Matthew 8:26
    And he said to them, "Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?" Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.
    Matthew 14:31
    Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?
    Matthew 16:8
    But Jesus, aware of this, said, "O you of little faith, why are you discussing among yourselves the fact that you have no bread?
    Matthew 17:20
    He said to them, "Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.
  50. Cross References
    Matthew 6:7
    And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words.
  51. Cross References
    Matthew 6:8
    Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
  52. Cross References
    Matthew 5:6
    Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
    Matthew 5:20
    For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
  53. Cross References
    Matthew 6:10
    Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
  54. Cross References
    1 Kings 3:11 - 14
    And God said to him, "Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches or the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right.
    Mark 10:29 - 30
    Jesus said, "Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the gospel.
    1 Timothy 4:8
    For while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.
    1 Peter 3:9
    Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.
  55. Cross References
    James 4:13 - 14
    Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit" -
English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.
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