Matthew 6:1
KJV
Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.
NIV
“Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.
This is not a minor stylistic change but a fundamental alteration of the scope and focus of Jesus’ teaching. ‘Alms’ refers specifically to acts of giving to the poor, linking directly to Old Testament commandments (Deuteronomy 15:7-11; Proverbs 19:17). By changing this to ‘righteousness’ or ‘acts of righteousness,’ modern versions broaden the meaning, making the command generic and detaching it from the context of charitable giving. This undermines the biblical doctrine of stewardship and the distinct Christian practice of almsgiving.
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