There is a wide difference between ostentatious sanctity and true devotion to God.
Hypocrites always endeavor to attract the attention of others.
The truly holy man, on the contrary, desires privacy and retirement. Though he is cheerful before men, his sorrows are deep before God. Were his groanings overheard by the world, he would probably be made an object of pity or derision; but God beholds him with pleasure and delight!
"This is the one I esteem he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at My Word!" Isaiah 66:2
"The Lord delights in those who fear Him, who put their hope in His unfailing love! Psalm 147:11
"The Lord takes delight in His people; He crowns the humble with salvation!" Psalm 149:4
"The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, You will not despise!" Psalm 51:17
What inexpressible comfort should this administer to humble penitents!
The humbler the thoughts that we have of ourselves the greater does God esteem and delight in us.
[Charles Simeon]
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Matthew 6:1 ... 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.
Matthew 6:5 ... And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
Matthew 6:16 ... Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. ❤
