The term "tightfisted" refers to a person who is unwilling to share or give, particularly in terms of money or resources. This characteristic is often associated with greed, selfishness, and a lack of generosity, which are attitudes cautioned against in the Bible. The Scriptures provide numerous teachings on the importance of generosity and the dangers of being tightfisted.

Biblical Warnings Against Tightfistedness

The Bible frequently warns against the dangers of being tightfisted, emphasizing the importance of generosity and the blessings that come from giving. In Deuteronomy 15:7-8, the Israelites are instructed: "If there is a poor man among your brothers within any of the gates in the land that the LORD your God is giving you, you are not to harden your heart or shut your hand from your poor brother. Instead, you are to open your hand to him and freely loan him whatever he needs." This passage highlights the expectation of open-handedness and compassion towards those in need.

Proverbs 11:24-25 further illustrates the principle of generosity: "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." Here, the contrast between the generous and the tightfisted is clear, with the former being promised prosperity and refreshment.

The Example of Jesus

Jesus Christ serves as the ultimate example of generosity and selflessness. Throughout His ministry, He demonstrated compassion and care for the needy, healing the sick, feeding the hungry, and teaching about the Kingdom of God. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught, "Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you" (Matthew 5:42). This teaching underscores the importance of being open-handed and willing to help others.

The Early Church

The early Christian community exemplified a spirit of generosity and communal support. Acts 2:44-45 describes the believers: "All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they shared with anyone who was in need." This passage reflects the early church's commitment to ensuring that no one among them was in need, contrasting sharply with a tightfisted attitude.

Apostolic Teachings

The Apostle Paul also addressed the issue of generosity in his letters. In 2 Corinthians 9:6-7, he writes, "Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." Paul emphasizes that giving should be done willingly and joyfully, not out of obligation or reluctance.

Consequences of Tightfistedness

The Bible warns of the spiritual and material consequences of being tightfisted. In Proverbs 28:22, it is written, "A stingy man hastens after wealth and does not know that poverty awaits him." This proverb suggests that a tightfisted approach, driven by the pursuit of wealth, ultimately leads to lack rather than abundance.

Conclusion

The biblical perspective on tightfistedness is clear: it is an attitude that is contrary to the values of the Kingdom of God. Generosity, compassion, and a willingness to share are virtues that are consistently encouraged throughout Scripture. Believers are called to reflect the character of God, who is described as generous and loving, by being open-handed and caring towards others.

Whether Treachery, Fraud, Falsehood, Perjury, Restlessness ...
... If he gives but little he is said to be "sparing"; if nothing, he is "tightfisted":
if he gives with great reluctance, he is said to be {kyminopristes ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether treachery fraud falsehood perjury.htm

Tightfisted (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Tightfisted (1 Occurrence). Deuteronomy 15:7 If
a poor man, one of your brothers, is with you within any ...
/t/tightfisted.htm - 6k

Tightly (14 Occurrences)

/t/tightly.htm - 10k

Tighten (1 Occurrence)

/t/tighten.htm - 6k

What does the Bible say about lending money? | GotQuestions.org

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Tightfisted: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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