Proverbs 11:24 - Meaning and Application

It is possible for a person to grow rich by wisely spending what he has. When he gives freely for acts of worship, charity, and generosity, he may still increase, and often does increase, just as grain increases when it is sown. By using what we have with a willing heart, our spirits are lifted and we become more fit for our work. Then, by giving proper attention to that work, our possessions may grow. Such generosity also gives a good name, and that good reputation helps increase a person’s gains. But above all, this increase comes from God, who blesses the giving hand and so makes it a hand that receives more (2 Corinthians 9:10). Give, and it will be given to you.

A person may also grow poor by stingily holding back what he has. This means keeping back more than is right, refusing to pay honest debts, not helping the poor, not providing what is needed for the family, or not allowing necessary spending to protect property. That kind of behavior leads to poverty. It weakens a person’s skill and effort, hurts his relationships, ruins his credit, and loses God’s blessing. And even if people are very careful with what they have, if God allows it to be spoiled, it will come to nothing. A fire that is not fanned still burns it up (Haggai 1:6, Haggai 1:9).