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I. THE DUTY TO WHICH OUR LORD REFERS. THE word in the first verse rendered "alms" is in some ancient copies rendered righteousness; in the second verse it means charitable gifts. Our duty to give of our goods. The gift of alms a deed of justice as well as of mercy; the poor have a just claim on the abundance of the rich.

II. THE EVILS TO BE AVOIDED IN ITS DISCHARGE,

1. We are to avoid the desire of human applause.

2. We are to avoid giving an ostentatious notoriety to deeds of beneficence. It is the empty vessel that cannot be touched without telling it.

III. THE MANNER IN WHICH DEEDS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS AND CHARITY ARE TO BE PERFORMED.

1. Modesty.

2. With a cheerful respect to the Divine precepts.

3. We must aim at the advancement of the honour of God.

4. Act from Christian compassion and fellowship.

5. We must depend on Divine assistance, and ascribe the praise of all to Him who enables us to live to His glory.

IV. THE ARGUMENT STATED BY OUR LORD.

1. The futility of ostentatious displays of piety.

2. The promise annexed to their right performance.

3. How jealous should we be of the principle from which we act.

4. Never presume on eternal life from the works of the law.

(J. E. Good.)

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KJV: Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.

WEB: "Be careful that you don't do your charitable giving before men, to be seen by them, or else you have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.