Proverbs 11:24
There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.
Original Language Analysis
יֵ֣שׁ
There is
H3426
יֵ֣שׁ
There is
Strong's:
H3426
Word #:
1 of 8
there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection)
וְנוֹסָ֥ף
and yet increaseth
H3254
וְנוֹסָ֥ף
and yet increaseth
Strong's:
H3254
Word #:
3 of 8
to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)
ע֑וֹד
H5750
ע֑וֹד
Strong's:
H5750
Word #:
4 of 8
properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more
וְחֹשֵׂ֥ךְ
and there is that withholdeth
H2820
וְחֹשֵׂ֥ךְ
and there is that withholdeth
Strong's:
H2820
Word #:
5 of 8
to restrain or (reflexive) refrain; by implication, to refuse, spare, preserve; to observe
אַךְ
H389
Cross References
Proverbs 19:17He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.Luke 6:38Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.Psalms 112:9He hath dispersed, he hath given to the poor; his righteousness endureth for ever; his horn shall be exalted with honour.Proverbs 11:18The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward.Ecclesiastes 11:6In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good.Deuteronomy 15:10Thou shalt surely give him, and thine heart shall not be grieved when thou givest unto him: because that for this thing the LORD thy God shall bless thee in all thy works, and in all that thou puttest thine hand unto.Haggai 1:6Ye have sown much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye have not enough; ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe you, but there is none warm; and he that earneth wages earneth wages to put it into a bag with holes.Proverbs 28:8He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.
Historical Context
Israel's agricultural laws (gleaning, firstfruits, tithes) institutionalized generosity. Those who gave freely to God and neighbors consistently experienced His provision, while the stingy suffered lack.
Questions for Reflection
- Where do you see God's blessing following your generous giving?
- What fears prevent you from giving more freely, and how does this verse address them?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Generosity produces increase while withholding results in poverty. This paradox reflects kingdom economics—giving doesn't deplete but multiplies through God's blessing. The principle applies spiritually and materially: those who freely share God's grace receive more, while hoarders spiritually impoverish themselves.