“Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.”  

In verse two, Jesus presented the negative view of giving. He gave the positive view in verses three and four.

6:2

Therefore,

The “therefore” is an inference drawn from verse one. The principle of verse one has to do with motivation for what we do.

when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you

There does not appear to be any custom of sounding a trumpet when giving at the Temple, so this is a metaphorical statement for putting on a show.

as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets,

The Greek word for “hypocrites” originated in the Greek theater. The actor who wore a mask to display a character portrayed someone he wasn’t. He pretended to be someone he wasn’t. Hypocrites display themselves in public places: synagogues and streets.

that they may have glory from men.

Their reward is that they are seen by men. Their true motivation is self-glorification.

Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.

The Greek for “have their reward” indicates they receive their reward in full. There is nothing more to receive after a public show. Their only reward is human reputation. They get what they want—human applause.

PRINCIPLE:

Approbation lust receives its reward in time, not eternity.

APPLICATION:

True righteousness does not seek praise for what it does. Calling attention to self is the opposite of giving glory to God. People get a rosy glow from public recognition. This is unadulterated approbation lust. This approach to giving gets its reward in time, not eternity.