Matthew 5:16
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
King James Version
World English Bible (WEB)
Even so, let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
American Standard Version (ASV)
Even so let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
What this verse means
Good works are meant to be seen — not for our glory, but to point past us to the Father.
A short prayer
Father, let something I do today make someone think well of You.
Read in context — Matthew 5
14Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
15Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
16Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
17Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
18For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
Related verses
“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.”John 13:34
“He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?”Micah 6:8
“Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established.”Proverbs 16:3
“I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.”Acts 20:35
“And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.”Colossians 3:14