Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Matthew 6:3

"But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:" — Matthew 6:3 (ASV)

The way to avoid hypocrisy is not to cease giving but to do so with such secrecy that we scarcely know what we have given. Jesus’ disciples must themselves be so given to God (cf. 2 Corinthians 8:5) that their giving is prompted by obeying God and having compassion on other people. Then their Father, who sees what is done in secret (Hebrews 4:13), will reward them (a reward received both in time and in eternity).