Matthew 6:17 meaning

Fasting can be a powerful spiritual discipline, yet it risks becoming a performance for public self-admiration. In the teachings recorded in the Gospel, believers are encouraged to maintain the sincerity of their spiritual practices. When one engages in fasting, it should be done privately, focusing solely on their relationship with God rather than attracting attention from others. Jesus explicitly critiques the ostentatious behavior of the hypocrites, who disfigure their faces to appear sorrowful, seeking the approval of men instead of the favor of God.

In this context, the directive serves as a reminder: genuine humility and devotion benefit from discretion. The assurance that God "sees in secret" speaks volumes about divine reward systems, contrasting sharply with temporal human recognition. The principle applies not only to fasting but to every act of righteousness. As stated in Matthew 6:17-18, the promise remains that those who prioritize their private devotion over public display will receive their "reward" not from people, but from their Father in heaven, which ultimately fosters a more authentic spiritual life.