Public acts of righteousness refer to deeds performed in the sight of others with the intention of demonstrating one's piety or moral integrity. These acts can encompass a range of activities, including charitable giving, prayer, fasting, and other forms of religious observance. The Bible addresses the motivations and implications of such acts, emphasizing the importance of sincerity and the condition of the heart over outward appearances.

Biblical Context

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus addresses the issue of public acts of righteousness, cautioning against performing them for the sake of human approval. In Matthew 6:1-4 , Jesus warns, "Be careful not to perform your righteous acts before men to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. So when you give to the needy, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. Truly I tell you, they already have their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."

This passage highlights the distinction between genuine righteousness and actions performed for the sake of recognition. The emphasis is on the internal motivation rather than the external act. The reward from God is contrasted with the fleeting praise of people, underscoring the eternal value of sincere devotion.

Prayer and Fasting

Jesus also addresses the practices of prayer and fasting in the same chapter. In Matthew 6:5-6 , He instructs, "And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. Truly I tell you, they already have their reward. But when you pray, go into your inner room, shut your door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."

Similarly, regarding fasting, Jesus advises in Matthew 6:16-18 , "When you fast, do not be somber like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they already have their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that your fasting will not be obvious to men, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."

These teachings emphasize the importance of a personal and private relationship with God, where the focus is on spiritual growth and communion with the Father rather than public display.

Old Testament Insights

The Old Testament also provides insights into public acts of righteousness. In Micah 6:8 , the prophet declares, "He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" This verse encapsulates the essence of true righteousness, which is characterized by justice, mercy, and humility before God.

The prophet Isaiah criticizes empty rituals and insincere worship in Isaiah 58:6-7 , stating, "Is not this the fast that I have chosen: to break the chains of wickedness, to untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and tear off every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, to bring the poor and homeless into your home, to clothe the naked when you see him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?" Here, the focus is on genuine acts of compassion and justice as true expressions of righteousness.

Conclusion

The biblical perspective on public acts of righteousness underscores the importance of the heart's intention and the pursuit of genuine relationship with God. While public acts can serve as a testimony to one's faith, they must be rooted in sincerity and humility, seeking the approval of God rather than the praise of people.