Note 3 at Mt. 23:5: Phylacteries were small leather pouches or boxes that were tied to the left arm or to the forehead. In the box were strips of parchment containing the written words of Exodus 13:1-10,11-16 and Deuteronomy 6:4-9,13-21. This was commanded in Deuteronomy 6:8. Also, an Israelite wore a fringe upon each of the four corners of his outer garment (Num. 15:38-40; Dt. 22:12). The Pharisees and scribes enlarged their phylacteries or fringes to draw attention to themselves.

Jesus didn't denounce wearing phylacteries or fringes but rather rebuked the Pharisees for their motives. They were not trying to keep God's Word before them continually as was the intent in Deuteronomy 6:8, but they were wanting everyone to notice how holy they were. Motives -- not actions -- are usually what makes a person a hypocrite.