Private Giving

Matthew 6:1-4

Take heed not before men for good deeds,
Seen by them as tending to the poor needs;
For then no reward unto you shall be given,
That would be from your Father in Heaven;
So when you are giving money to the poor,
Make not a sound and just close the door;
For hypocrites love to gossip as they meet,
Even as they are passing along the street;
They could be praised because of clout,
And who they tell may cause you doubt;
They have already received their reward,
But when giving alms be on your guard;
Just keep your left hand from knowing,
What precisely the right hand is doing;
So whatever you give, donate in secret,
God has a reward you will never regret.
When you help others and not in discreet,
And allowing others to see shows conceit;
It is between you and God what you grant,
Watching the growth from seeds you plant.

Richard Newton Sherrer

Copyright ©2004 Richard Newton Sherrer

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