Which other scriptures reinforce the principle of generosity found in 2 Corinthians 9:9? Generosity at the core: 2 Corinthians 9:9 “As it is written: ‘He has scattered abroad His gifts to the poor; His righteousness endures forever.’” Old Testament roots that echo the same heartbeat • Psalm 112:9 – “He has scattered abroad His gifts to the poor; His righteousness endures forever; his horn will be lifted high in honor.” • Deuteronomy 15:7-8 – “If there is a poor man among your brothers…do not be hard-hearted or tight-fisted…open your hand to him and freely loan him whatever he needs.” • Proverbs 11:24-25 – “One gives freely, yet gains even more…A generous soul will prosper, and he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.” • Proverbs 19:17 – “Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender.” • Proverbs 22:9 – “A generous man will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor.” • Isaiah 58:7-8 – “Is it not to share your bread with the hungry…Then your light will break forth like the dawn.” • Malachi 3:10 – “Bring the full tithe into the storehouse…see if I will not open the windows of heaven and pour out for you blessing without measure.” Jesus’ own words on open-handed living • Matthew 6:3-4 – “When you give to the needy…your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.” • Luke 6:38 – “Give, and it will be given to you…For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.” • Matthew 25:35-40 – (Paraphrased) Serving the hungry, stranger, and poor is serving Christ Himself. • Acts 20:35 – “In everything, I have shown you that…‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” Apostolic counsel for the church • Galatians 6:9-10 – “Let us not grow weary in well-doing…as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone.” • Ephesians 4:28 – “…work…so that he may have something to share with the one in need.” • 1 Timothy 6:17-19 – “Instruct [the rich]…to be generous and ready to share, thus laying up treasure for themselves.” • Hebrews 13:16 – “Do not neglect to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” • James 2:15-17 – “If a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food…faith by itself…is dead.” • 1 John 3:17-18 – “If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no compassion…let us love…in action and truth.” The unbroken thread From the Law and the Prophets to Jesus and the apostles, Scripture links righteousness to generosity. God pledges reward, multiplies what is given, and counts every act toward others as done unto Himself. The principle of 2 Corinthians 9:9 is woven through the entire Bible: living with an open hand displays God’s enduring righteousness to a watching world. |
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