Charles Spurgeon Commentary Matthew 5:16

"Even so let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven." — Matthew 5:16 (ASV)

The light is ours, but the glorification is for our Father in heaven. We shine because we have light, and we are seen because we shine. By good works, we best shine before men. True shining is silent, yet it is so useful that men, who are too often very bad judges, are still forced to bless God for the good they receive through the light He has kindled.

Angels glorify God whom they see, and men are forced to glorify God whom they do not see, when they observe the good works of His saints. We need not object to being seen, although we are not to wish to be seen. Since men will be sure to see our excellences, if we possess any, let it be our care that all the glory is given to our Lord, to whom it is entirely due. Not to us, not to us, but to Your name, O Lord, be praise!

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Not that they may glorify you, but that they may glorify your Father who is in heaven.

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Let the light of your purity and your good works be as bright as possible, yet let not the light be to your own praise and glory; but let it be clearly seen that your good works are the result of sovereign grace, for which all the glory must be given to your Father which is in heaven.