Matthew 6:1,16-18

Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.
And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

Note: These verses continue to elaborate on Matthew 5:20 regarding righteousness that “exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees”.

Similar Old Testament Verses

‘Why have we fasted, and you see it not? Why have we humbled ourselves, and you take no knowledge of it?’ Behold, in the day of your fast you seek your own pleasure…. Fasting like yours this day will not make your voice to be heard on high.

Isaiah 58:3-4

“Yet even now,” declares the LORD, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments. Return to the LORD your God,
for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster.”

Joel 2:12-13

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit…

Psalm 51:17

You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.

Jeremiah 29:13

Bring no more vain offerings…

Isaiah 1:13

Haughty eyes and a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked, are sin.

Proverbs 21:4

The haughty looks of man shall be brought low, and the lofty pride of men shall be humbled, and the LORD alone will be exalted in that day.

Isaiah 2:11

I hate, I despise your feasts, and I take no delight in your solemn assemblies.

Amos 5:21

You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your presence.

Psalm 90:8

The eyes of the LORD are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.

Proverbs 15:3

For my eyes are on all their ways. They are not hidden from me, nor is their iniquity concealed from my eyes.

Jeremiah 16:17

… then hear from heaven your dwelling place and forgive and render to each whose heart you know, according to all his ways, for you, you only, know the hearts of the children of mankind…

2 Chronicles 6:30

Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.