What is the meaning of Proverbs 11:24? One gives freely, yet gains even more “One gives freely, yet gains even more” (Proverbs 11:24a) • The statement is literal: open-handed generosity brings increase because God Himself superintends the outcome. As Proverbs 19:17 says, “Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender.” • Scripture repeats the pattern: “A generous soul will prosper” (Proverbs 11:25); “Give, and it will be given to you” (Luke 6:38); “Whoever sows generously will also reap generously” (2 Corinthians 9:6). • Giving is an act of faith, declaring that the LORD—not our balance sheet—is our provider (Proverbs 3:9-10). • How the gain appears: – Material provision (Malachi 3:10) – Spiritual enrichment (“It is more blessed to give than to receive,” Acts 20:35) – Relational favor (Philippians 4:17 speaks of “profit” credited to the giver) – Eternal reward (Matthew 6:20) • God multiplies whatever is placed in His hands; generosity is an invitation for Him to do so. another withholds what is right, only to become poor “another withholds what is right, only to become poor” (Proverbs 11:24b) • “What is right” includes tithes, offerings, fair pay, and help owed to those in need. Holding it back invites loss. • Reinforcing texts: – “He who hides his eyes will receive many curses” (Proverbs 28:27) – “You are cursed with a curse… in tithes and offerings” (Malachi 3:8-9) – “You expected much, but it amounted to little” (Haggai 1:9) – The rich fool lost everything overnight (Luke 12:20-21) • Forms of poverty that follow withholding: – Material decline—closed fists shut out God’s provision. – Spiritual barrenness—“faith… if it does not result in action, is dead” (James 2:17). – Relational isolation—“Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor… will receive no answer” (Proverbs 21:13). • Trust in possessions replaces trust in the Provider; sooner or later that trust collapses. summary Proverbs 11:24 contrasts two paths. The generous person, resting in the Lord’s faithfulness, finds resources multiplied and life enriched. The tight-fisted person, protecting self-interest, ends up impoverished in wallet and soul. Because God’s Word is accurate and literal, we can live confidently by this principle: open hands invite abundance; clenched fists invite loss. |
    |