The term "sparingly" is often associated with the concept of moderation and restraint, particularly in the context of giving, sowing, and reaping. In the Bible, it is used to convey the principle that the measure of one's generosity or actions will directly influence the measure of return or blessing one receives.

Biblical References:

1. 2 Corinthians 9:6 · "Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously." This verse is part of the Apostle Paul's teaching on the principles of giving. Paul emphasizes that the manner in which one gives—whether sparingly or generously—will determine the nature of the harvest they will receive. This principle is not only applicable to financial giving but extends to all areas of life, including time, effort, and love.

2. Proverbs 11:24-25 · "One gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds what is right, only to become poor. A generous soul will prosper, and he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed." While the term "sparingly" is not directly used in this passage, the concept is clearly illustrated. The proverb contrasts the outcomes of generosity versus withholding, suggesting that those who give freely and generously will experience abundance, while those who hold back will face lack.

3. Luke 6:38 · "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you." Jesus teaches that the measure of generosity one uses will be the measure they receive in return. This reinforces the idea that sparing actions lead to sparing returns, while generous actions lead to abundant blessings.

Theological Implications:

The concept of sparingly is deeply rooted in the biblical understanding of stewardship and the heart's attitude towards resources. It challenges believers to examine their motives and the extent of their generosity. The Bible consistently encourages believers to trust in God's provision and to give freely, reflecting God's own generosity towards humanity.

Practical Application:

In practical terms, living sparingly can be seen as a call to avoid stinginess and to embrace a lifestyle of generosity. This does not imply reckless giving but rather a thoughtful and intentional approach to sharing one's resources. Believers are encouraged to give not out of compulsion but with a cheerful heart, trusting that God will provide for their needs and bless their efforts.

Cultural Context:

In the ancient Near Eastern culture, where the Bible was written, agricultural metaphors like sowing and reaping were common and easily understood. The principle of sowing sparingly and reaping sparingly would have resonated with an agrarian society that depended on the land's yield for survival. This cultural context underscores the timeless nature of the biblical teaching on generosity and the consequences of sparing actions.

Conclusion:

The biblical teaching on sparingly serves as a reminder of the importance of generosity and the impact of one's actions. It encourages believers to trust in God's provision and to live with open hands, knowing that the measure they use will be the measure they receive.5340. pheidomenos -- sparingly
... sparingly. Part of Speech: Adverb Transliteration: pheidomenos Phonetic Spelling:
(fi-dom-en'-oce) Short Definition: sparingly Definition: sparingly. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5340.htm - 6k3906. lachats -- oppression, distress
... oppression. Word Origin from lachats Definition oppression, distress NASB Word
Usage oppression (8), sparingly (2). affliction, oppression. ...
/hebrew/3906.htm - 6k

Moreover, it is a Good Thing to Use the Tongue Sparingly...
... Chapter V. Moreover, it is a good thing to use the tongue sparingly? Moreover,
it is a good thing to use the tongue sparingly, and ...
/.../a metaphrase of the book of ecclesiastes/chapter v moreover it is.htm

How those who Use Food Intemperately and those who Use it ...
... ROME, Chapter XIX. How those who use food intemperately and those who use it
sparingly are to be admonished. (Admonition 20.) Differently ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/chapter xix how those who.htm

That God Bestows an Abundant Supply of Whatever is Suited to the ...
... the assembly of the saints." Chapter VIII."That God bestows an Abundant Supply of
whatever is suited to the Wants of Man, and ministers but sparingly to his ...
/.../pamphilius/the life of constantine/chapter viii that god bestows an.htm

Of the Abstinence of one Old Man who Took Food Six Times So ...
... Prolegomena. Chapter XXV. Of the abstinence of one old man who took food
six times so sparingly that he was still hungry. When one ...
/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter xxv of the abstinence.htm

Psalm CXXVI.
... "This I say; he that soweth sparingly, shall reap also sparingly." [5503] He therefore
who soweth plentifully, shall reap plentifully: he who soweth sparingly ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxxvi.htm

The Peroration
... They, likewise, use nearly the same passions, but the accuser more seldom and more
sparingly, and the defendant oftener and with greater emotions; for it is ...
/.../kleiser/the training of a public speaker/the peroration.htm

Signs and Wonders.
... Sparingly, and secretly. Sparingly; for He used it almost entirely in curing
the diseases of poor people; and secretly; for He used ...
/.../kingsley/westminster sermons/sermon xix signs and wonders.htm

21ST DAY. A Due Reaping.
... labour," to "fight," to "wrestle," to "agonize;" and the heavenly reaping will be
in proportion to the earthly sowing: "He that soweth sparingly, shall reap ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/macduff/the faithful promiser/21st day a due reaping.htm

And a Little after He Saith, "For as Touching the Ministering to ...
... But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he
which soweth in benediction shall reap also in benediction. ...
/.../augustine/of the work of monks /section 18 and a little.htm

Psalm CXII.
... when he saith, "Let us not be weary in well doing, for in due season we shall reap;"
[5013] and again, "But this I say, He which soweth sparingly, shall reap ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxii.htm

Sparingly (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Sparingly (3 Occurrences). 2 Corinthians 9:6 Remember
this: he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly. ...
/s/sparingly.htm - 7k

Generously (12 Occurrences)
... 2 Corinthians 9:6 Remember this: he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly.
He who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. (See NIV). ...
/g/generously.htm - 9k

Reap (35 Occurrences)
... things? (WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). 2 Corinthians 9:6 Remember
this: he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly. He ...
/r/reap.htm - 18k

Diet (2 Occurrences)
... 3. (vt) To cause to take food; to feed. 4. (vt) To cause to eat and drink sparingly,
or by prescribed rules; to regulate medicinally the food of. ...
/d/diet.htm - 8k

Bountifully (8 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Bountifully (8 Occurrences). 2 Corinthians 9:6 Remember
this: he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly. ...
/b/bountifully.htm - 8k

Blessings (45 Occurrences)
... 2 Corinthians 9:6 And this: He who is sowing sparingly, sparingly also shall reap;
and he who is sowing in blessings, in blessings also shall reap; (YLT). ...
/b/blessings.htm - 19k

Soweth (16 Occurrences)
... 2 Corinthians 9:6 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly;
and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. ...
/s/soweth.htm - 10k

Sows (18 Occurrences)
... 2 Corinthians 9:6 Remember this: he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly.
He who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. (WEB WEY DBY NAS RSV NIV). ...
/s/sows.htm - 11k

Sowing (28 Occurrences)
... 2 Corinthians 9:6 And this: He who is sowing sparingly, sparingly also shall reap;
and he who is sowing in blessings, in blessings also shall reap; (YLT). ...
/s/sowing.htm - 14k

Remember (230 Occurrences)
... (WEY). 2 Corinthians 9:6 Remember this: he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly.
He who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. (WEB NIV). ...
/r/remember.htm - 41k

Is “you reap what you sow” biblical? | GotQuestions.org

Is it true that everything happens for a reason? | GotQuestions.org

How can I become a more cheerful giver? | GotQuestions.org

Sparingly: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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