Matthew 6:1

“Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, etc.] Some copies read, “take heed that ye do not your righteousness”, etc. which is a very good reading: but then, by “righteousness”, is not meant righteousness, as comprehending all other righteous acts, as particularly alms, prayer, and fasting, hereafter mentioned; but alms only; nothing being more common with the Jews than to call alms hqdx, “righteousness”: and whatever word Matthew made use of, there is no doubt to be made of it, but this was the word Christ used. Now alms was so called, because it is a righteous action, which ought to be performed; and to withhold from the poor what is meet, is to deal unrighteously: hence we read of…”

“FURTHER ILLUSTRATION OF THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF THE KINGDOM--ITS UNOSTENTATIOUSNESS. (Mat. 6:1-18) Take heed that ye do not your alms--But the true reading seems clearly to be "your righteousness." The external authority for both readings is pretty nearly equal; but internal evidence is decidedly in favor of "righteousness." The subject of the second verse being "almsgiving" that word--so like the other in Greek--might easily be substituted for it by the copyist: whereas the opposite would not be so likely. But it is still more in favor of "righteousness," that if we so read the first verse, it then becomes a general heading for this whole section of the discourse, inculcating…”

“Take heed that ye do not your alms - The word “alms” here denotes liberality to the poor and needy. In the margin, as in the best editions of the Greek it is “righteousness;” either referring to almsgiving as eminently a righteous act, or more probably including all that is specified in this and the following verses - almsgiving, prayer, fasting, Matthew 6:2-18. Our Saviour here does not positively command his disciples to aid the poor, but supposes that they would do it of course, and gives them directions how to do it. It is the nature of religion to help those who are really needy; and a real Christian does not wait to be “commanded” to do it, but only asks for the opportunity. See…”

“In the foregoing chapter our Lord particularly described the nature of inward holiness. In this he describes that purity of intention without which none of our outward actions are holy. This chapter contains four parts, The right intention and manner of giving alms, Mat 6:1-4. The right intention, manner, form, and prerequisites of prayer, Mat 6:5-15. The right intention, and manner of fasting, Mat 6:16-18. The necessity of a pure intention in all things, unmixed either with the desire of riches, or worldly care, and fear of want, Mat 6:19-34. This verse is a general caution against vain glory, in any of our good works: All these are here summed up together, in the comprehensive word…”

“6:1 This verse introduces the theme of 6:2-18, that righteousness should not be done for public recognition but as a service to God. • Good deeds are acts that conform to God’s pattern for proper behavior: e.g., gift giving (6:2-4), prayer (6:5-15), and fasting (6:16-18). Jesus urges secrecy to counteract the human propensity to seek praise for oneself rather than for God (cp. 5:16).”

“heed: Mat 16:6; Mar 8:15; Luk 11:35, Luk 12:1, Luk 12:15; Heb 2:1 alms: or, righteousness, Deu 24:13; Psa 112:9; Dan 4:27; Co2 9:9, Co2 9:10 to be: Mat 6:5, Mat 6:16, Mat 5:16, Mat 23:5, Mat 23:14, Mat 23:28-30; Kg2 10:16, Kg2 10:31; Eze 33:31; Zac 7:5, Zac 13:4; Luk 16:15; Joh 5:44, Joh 12:43; Gal 6:12 otherwise: Mat 6:4, Mat 6:6, Mat 5:46, Mat 10:41, Mat 10:42, Mat 16:27, Mat 25:40; Co1 9:17, Co1 9:18; Heb 6:10, Heb 11:26; Jo2 1:8 of your: or, with your, Mat 6:9, Mat 5:48 Matthew 6:2”