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 others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.
The metaphorical sounding of the trumpets. It just means don’t toot your own horn. When you give, give freely and out of the goodness of your heart. Don’t do it to impress others and to try to make yourself look better. That’s where the word hypocrite comes into play. Hypocrites are pretenders…actors. They display themselves in public settings. Their reward is to be seen by others. But, I tell you, who cares what others think about your giving? Is it more important to receive self-glorification or glory from God? Because God sees everything. And if you give in silence, he always sees it. Even still, don’t give just to try to please God. Give because it’s the right thing to do. Give because others need and for no other reason. True righteousness does not seek praise for what it does. Those who give freely and without attention will get their praise from God above.
Spiritual Steve 