What does the Bible mean when it says that we should not let our right hand know what our left hand is doing?
Let’s examine the text to which you are referring.
Be careful not to do your “acts of righteousness” 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 announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.
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. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
(Matt. 6:1-4 NIV)
This section of Scripture is referring to the motive behind your actions. In this case, Jesus is referring specifically to the motives behind giving.
Verse one indicates that we shouldn’t do things before men, to be seen of men. There are times when people will see what we’re doing, but Jesus is dealing with the attitude behind the giving.
It’s all right for other people to see you put an offering in the basket, or for a church to keep a record of your giving for tax purposes, as long as you’re not doing these things to be recognized. Your motivation should be that you want to be a blessing.
The second verse describes the extreme to which the religious people of that day had gone. “Not letting your right hand know what your left hand is doing” means you should keep your righteous acts to yourself, as much as possible.
All rights reserved. Used by permission.
Joe Cameneti Sr. is the lead pastor of Believers Church, located in his hometown of Warren, Ohio. Pastor Joe, along with his wife Gina, pioneered Believers Church in 1983 following his graduation from Bible School.
In addition to leading a thriving local church, Pastor Joe is the host of a weekly show called "BCTV." The program is aired locally on WFMJ, the NBC affiliate, reaching thousands weekly.
Pastor Joe is a gifted communicator, skilled in the art of building bridges to unchurched America. Transparent and authentic, you'll walk away challenged and encouraged to connect with God in a deeper way.