Bhagavad Gita · Chapter 16: The Divine and the Demonic Natures

Bhagavad Gita 16.15

āḍhyo'bhijanavānasmi ko'nyo'sti sadṛśo mayā | yakṣye dāsyāmi modiṣya ityajñānavimohitāḥ ||

"I am rich and well-born. Who else is equal to me? I will sacrifice, I will give, I will rejoice." So they think, deluded by ignorance.

Modern context

'I am rich and well-born. Who is equal to me? I will sacrifice, I will give.' Even religion and charity become part of the ego's display. Giving to be seen, worshipping to be admired: these are acts of pride dressed up as virtue. The verse warns that good deeds done for show do not make a person good. The motive matters as much as the act.