Proverbs 11:24-25
One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse isn't just saying generosity can lead to wealth, but that it actually increases. The Hebrew word used for "scattereth" often implies dispersing generously, suggesting that true increase comes not from hoarding, but from freely giving what is "right and just" to others.
This proverb stands within a section of Proverbs offering contrasts between wisdom and folly, and here specifically between generosity and stinginess. It follows warnings against dishonesty and deceit, suggesting that true prosperity is linked to ethical actions, particularly how one handles their resources and relates to those in need. The verse sets up a principle that will be further explored in the following verses, which continue to contrast the outcomes of different attitudes toward giving.
It sounds backward, doesn't it? Giving things away makes you richer? Proverbs 11:24 presents a divine paradox that challenges our natural instincts.
This verse reveals a principle of God's economy that's opposite to our typical understanding of finances.
A Divine Exchange
When we 'scatter' or give generously, especially to those in need, we're not depleting our resources. Instead, God promises an increase. This isn't magic; it's a spiritual law of sowing and reaping.
Blessed Increase
The increase isn't just about money. It can mean greater favor, unexpected opportunities, strengthened relationships, and a richer spiritual life. God blesses a spirit of liberality.
On the flip side, holding onto what we have, even when we should share, doesn't guarantee security. It actually leads to loss.
The proverb warns against holding back what is rightfully due, whether to God, the needy, or even good stewardship.
The Blight of Stinginess
When we hoard or refuse to share what we have, we invite a kind of poverty. This 'want' can manifest as a lack of resources, but also as a lack of joy, peace, or fulfillment.
Divine Providence at Work
Proverbs suggests that God's providence can actively work against the stingy. Estates can mysteriously dwindle, opportunities can be missed, and a sense of lack can pervade life.
Understand the original words
nathan · Hebrew Verb
To bestow favor, material support, or spiritual goodwill upon others, often implying a sacrificial or generous act.
berakah · Hebrew Noun
The act of invoking God’s favor upon another or bestowing tangible benefits; it is the opposite of a curse and implies spiritual or material prosperity.
ravah · Hebrew Verb
To cause to grow, flourish, or thrive; often used to describe how one who provides for others is spiritually or materially sustained by God in return.
This passage echoes the principle that giving generously leads to receiving abundantly, directly mirroring the generous giver in Proverbs who 'grows all the richer.'
2 Corinthians 9:6-8Paul here connects cheerful and generous giving with God's ability to provide abundantly, reinforcing the idea that withholding leads to want while scattering leads to increase.
Psalm 41:1-3This psalm highlights God's blessing and protection upon those who are considerate of the poor and needy, aligning with the promise that the generous giver is ultimately rewarded.
Acts 20:35Jesus' own words, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive,' encapsulate the heart of this proverb, showing that true fulfillment and richness come from generosity, not hoarding.
ellicottProverbs 11:24: "There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty."
(24) There is that scattereth— i.e. , with bounteous hand (comp. Psalm 112:9 ), “and yet increaseth” in wealth and blessings (comp. Proverbs 19:17 , and the old epitaph, “What we spent, we had; what we saved, we lost; what we gave, we have.”)
jfbProverbs 11:24: "There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty."
24-31. The scope of the whole is a comment on Pr 11:23. Thus liberality, by God's blessing, secures increase, while penuriousness, instead of expected gain, procures poverty.
The verse isn't just saying generosity can lead to wealth, but that it actually increases. The Hebrew word used for "scattereth" often implies dispersing generously, suggesting that true increase comes not from hoarding, but from freely giving what is "right and just" to others.
This proverb stands within a section of Proverbs offering contrasts between wisdom and folly, and here specifically between generosity and stinginess. It follows warnings against dishonesty and deceit, suggesting that true prosperity is linked to ethical actions, particularly how one handles their resources and relates to those in need. The verse sets up a principle that will be further explored in the following verses, which continue to contrast the outcomes of different attitudes toward giving.
This proverb stands within a section of Proverbs offering contrasts between wisdom and folly, and here specifically between generosity and stinginess. It follows warnings against dishonesty and deceit, suggesting that true prosperity is linked to ethical actions, particularly how one handles their resources and relates to those in need. The verse sets up a principle that will be further explored in the following verses, which continue to contrast the outcomes of different attitudes toward giving.
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"One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered." — The verse isn't just saying generosity can lead to wealth, but that it actually increases. The Hebrew word used for "scattereth" often implies dispersing generously, suggesting that true increase c…
