Charles Spurgeon Commentary Matthew 5:47

"And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more [than others?] do not even the Gentiles the same?" — Matthew 5:47 (ASV)

On a journey, in the streets, or in the house, we are not to limit our friendly greetings to those who are near and dear to us. Courtesy should be wide-ranging and no less sincere for being general. We should speak kindly to all and treat every human being as a brother.

Anyone will shake hands with an old friend, but we are to be cordially courteous towards every human being. If not, we will reach no higher level than mere outcasts. Even a dog will greet another dog.

And if you salute your brethren only, what more do you do than others? Do not even the publicans do so?

On a journey, or in the streets, or in the house, we are not to confine our friendly greetings to those who are near and dear to us.

Courtesy should be wide, and no less sincere because it is general.

We should speak kindly to all, and treat every person as a brother.

Anyone will shake hands with an old friend, but we are to be cordially courteous towards every human being. If not, we will reach no higher level than mere outcasts. Even a dog will salute a dog.