The contrast of the left and right hand serves as an idiom for total privacy. One must give in such a way that it remains secret, in private.1 One must not give so as to win the honour and approval of men.2 This is the kind of giving that pleases the Father.3 Possibly, there is also a suggestion in Jesus’ words, that one’s giving must be done in such a way that you forget about it yourself instead of thinking that you are particularly noble and generous (your left hand must not know about your right hand).4
3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,