In what ways can we practice generosity to counteract the warning in Ecclesiastes 5:13?

◄ How can we practice generosity? ►

Setting the scene

“ ‘There is a grievous evil I have seen under the sun: wealth hoarded to the harm of its owner.’ ” (Ecclesiastes 5:13)

Solomon warns that stockpiling riches can actually injure the one who clings to them. Generosity is God’s antidote.

Recognizing the warning

• Hoarding breeds anxiety—“When good things increase, so do those who consume them.” (Ecclesiastes 5:11)

• It dulls spiritual sensitivity—riches become “thorns” that choke the word (Luke 8:14).

• It ends in emptiness—“Naked a man comes… and so he departs.” (Ecclesiastes 5:15)

The heart behind generosity

• A trust transfer—“Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21)

• An act of worship—“Honor the LORD with your wealth.” (Proverbs 3:9)

• A gospel echo—“Though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor.” (2 Corinthians 8:9)

Practices of generous living

1. Systematic giving

– “On the first day of every week, each of you should set aside a portion of money.” (1 Corinthians 16:2)

– Decide a percentage before spending anything else; increases freedom from hoarding.

2. Spontaneous compassion

– Carry a “ready fund” for needs God puts in your path (Proverbs 3:27).

3. Hospitality

– Open your table: “Share with the saints who are in need; practice hospitality.” (Romans 12:13)

4. Investing in gospel work

– Support missionaries, Bible translation, local outreach—“He who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.” (2 Corinthians 9:6)

5. Debt relief and micro-loans

– “If anyone is poor among you… you shall open your hand wide.” (Deuteronomy 15:7-8)

6. Legacy giving

– Update wills to seed ministries rather than merely enlarging heirs’ accounts (Proverbs 13:22).

7. Skills and time

– Volunteer expertise—“Do not neglect to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” (Hebrews 13:16)

Blessings promised to the generous

• Spiritual refreshment—“A generous soul will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.” (Proverbs 11:25)

• Divine provision—“Test Me… and see if I will not open the windows of heaven.” (Malachi 3:10)

• Eternal rewards—“Storing up treasure for themselves as a foundation for the future.” (1 Timothy 6:19)

Putting it into daily rhythms

• Pray before purchases: “Is this hoarding or stewarding?”

• Track giving as carefully as income.

• Celebrate stories of lives changed through your gifts; it fuels more generosity.

• Teach children to give from their first allowance, modeling freedom from Ecclesiastes 5:13’s trap.