Fasting

Matthew 6

¹⁶ "Moreover, _r when you fast, do not be like the ₁ hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. ¹⁷ "But you, when you fast, _s anoint your head and wash your face, ¹⁸ "so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you ₂ openly.

1. Cross References
   Isaiah 58:3 - 7
   Why have we fasted,' they say, 'and You have not seen? Why have we afflicted our souls, and You take no notice?' "In fact, in the day of your fast you find pleasure, And exploit all your laborers.
   Luke 18:12
   'I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.'
   
2. Cross References
   Ruth 3:3
   Therefore wash yourself and anoint yourself, put on your best garment and go down to the threshing floor; but do not make yourself known to the man until he has finished eating and drinking.
   2 Samuel 12:20
   So David arose from the ground, washed and anointed himself, and changed his clothes; and he went into the house of the LORD and worshiped. Then he went to his own house; and when he requested, they set food before him, and he ate.
   Daniel 10:3
   I ate no pleasant food, no meat or wine came into my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.
   

New King James Version (NKJV) Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.