Matthew 6:16-18

Fasting; The True Treasure; Wealth (Mammon)

16 "¹Whenever you fast, do not put on a gloomy face as the hypocrites do, for they neglect their appearance so that they will be noticed by men when they are fasting. ²Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full.

17 "But you, when you fast, ³anoint your head and wash your face

18 so that your fasting will not be noticed by men, but by your Father who is in secret; and your ⁴Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.

Cross References

• 1. Isaiah 58:5
• 2. Matthew 6:2
• 3. Ruth 3:3; 2 Samuel 12:20
• 4. Matthew 6:4, 6

Footnotes

• [a] Lit "distort their faces", i.e. discolor their faces with makeup