Proverbs 11:24

KJV

¶ There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and [there is] that withholdeth more than is meet, but [it tendeth] to poverty.

KJV (with Strong's)

There is {H3426} that scattereth {H6340}, and yet increaseth {H3254}; and there is that withholdeth {H2820} more than is meet {H3476}, but it tendeth to poverty {H4270}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Some give freely and still get richer, while others are stingy but grow still poorer.

Berean Standard Bible

One gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds what is right, only to become poor.

American Standard Version

There is that scattereth, and increaseth yet more; And there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth only to want.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 11:24 presents a profound paradox concerning generosity and stewardship, asserting that those who give freely and widely often experience unexpected increase, while those who hoard or withhold beyond what is right ironically tend toward impoverishment. This wisdom challenges conventional human logic, suggesting that true prosperity is found not in accumulation but in a spirit of open-handed liberality, reflecting a divine principle of sowing and reaping that extends beyond mere material wealth to encompass spiritual and relational flourishing.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 11 is a collection of antithetical proverbs, where contrasting lines or ideas are juxtaposed to highlight the wisdom of one path versus the folly of another. This chapter frequently contrasts the righteous and the wicked, honesty and deceit, humility and pride, and in this specific verse, generosity and stinginess. Proverbs 11:24 directly follows a verse about the blessing that comes from blessing others, reinforcing the theme of positive outcomes for the righteous in [Proverbs 11:23](/proverbs/11-23 "Proverbs 11:23 - The Desire of the Righteous"). It also anticipates later proverbs in the chapter that speak to the benefits of righteousness and the dangers of self-serving actions, such as the idea that "The liberal soul shall be made fat" in [Proverbs 11:25](/proverbs/11-25 "Proverbs 11:25 - The Liberal Soul") or the warning against trusting in riches in [Proverbs 11:28](/proverbs/11-28 "Proverbs 11:28 - Trusting in Riches"). The verse serves as a powerful summary statement on the counter-intuitive nature of divine economics within the broader context of ethical conduct and the consequences of one's actions.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israelite society, like many agrarian cultures, understood the principles of sowing and reaping. Farmers would "scatter" seed generously, trusting in the promise of a future harvest. This agricultural imagery provides a tangible metaphor for the spiritual and economic principles taught in the proverb. Generosity was not merely an abstract virtue but a practical necessity for community cohesion, especially in caring for the poor, widows, and orphans, as mandated by the Mosaic Law (e.g., [Deuteronomy 15:7-11](/deuteronomy/15-7 "Deuteronomy 15:7-11 - Lending to the Poor")). Withholding "more than is meet" could refer to failing to meet these social obligations, or perhaps to a general attitude of covetousness that prevented one from participating in the reciprocal relationships vital for communal well-being. The culture valued hospitality and sharing, and a lack thereof would lead to social isolation and, potentially, economic decline, as social safety nets were often communal.

* **Key Themes:** The central theme of Proverbs 11:24 is the **paradox of generosity**. It challenges the conventional human inclination to hoard and protect resources, instead asserting that true increase comes through giving. This ties into the broader themes of **divine justice** and **retribution** prevalent throughout Proverbs, where actions have consequences, often in unexpected ways that defy human logic. The proverb also touches on **stewardship**, encouraging a mindset where one's possessions are not merely for personal accumulation but for wise distribution and investment in God's kingdom. Furthermore, it highlights the theme of **wisdom versus folly**, contrasting the wise person who trusts in God's principles of abundance through giving with the foolish person who clings to their resources, only to find themselves in want. This divine economy is a recurring motif, emphasizing that God's ways often invert human logic, leading to blessings for those who operate by faith rather than fear, as seen in the call to "honor the Lord with your wealth" in [Proverbs 3:9](/proverbs/3-9 "Proverbs 3:9 - Honor the Lord with your Wealth").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **scattereth (Hebrew, _pâzar'_):** This primitive root means "to scatter, whether in enmity or bounty." In this context, it clearly refers to scattering in bounty, like a farmer sowing seed liberally. It implies a generous, unreserved distribution, not a wasteful or careless one, but an intentional act of giving away, trusting in a future return.
* **increaseth (Hebrew, _yâçaph'_):** A primitive root meaning "to add or augment," often adverbially, "to continue to do a thing." Here, it denotes an unexpected growth or multiplication. Despite the act of scattering, there is an addition, a replenishment, or even an overflow, indicating a supernatural or divinely ordained return on generosity that defies conventional economic principles.
* **withholdeth (Hebrew, _châsak'_): This root means "to restrain or (reflex.) refrain; by implication, to refuse, spare, preserve." It describes the act of holding back, keeping something for oneself, or being stingy. The implication is a deliberate choice to not give or share, often out of fear of lack, a desire for self-preservation, or a lack of trust in divine provision.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth;":** This clause introduces the first type of person: one who, contrary to human expectation, experiences growth and abundance precisely because they are generous. The act of "scattering" implies a liberal, perhaps even seemingly wasteful, distribution of resources, time, or kindness. Yet, the outcome is "increase," suggesting a divine principle at work where giving leads to greater receiving, often in unexpected ways.
* **"and [there is] that withholdeth more than is meet,":** This clause introduces the contrasting individual. This person holds back, not just what is prudent, but "more than is meet"—beyond what is appropriate, necessary, or just. This could refer to withholding from the needy, from obligations, or from God. It highlights an excessive, perhaps selfish, restraint driven by fear or greed, failing to meet rightful expectations or divine commands.
* **"but [it tendeth] to poverty.":** This final clause reveals the ironic consequence of such excessive withholding. Instead of securing wealth or preventing loss, this stinginess leads to "poverty." This can be literal financial destitution, but also a poverty of relationships, influence, spiritual vitality, or overall well-being, indicating a holistic decline that results from a closed-fisted approach to life.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 11:24 primarily employs **Antithetical Parallelism**, a hallmark of Hebrew wisdom literature. Two contrasting lines are placed side-by-side to highlight a moral or theological truth. The first line describes the generous person and their surprising increase, while the second describes the stingy person and their ironic poverty. This stark contrast emphasizes the counter-intuitive nature of God's economy. Additionally, the proverb uses **Metaphor** with the imagery of "scattering" (from agricultural sowing) to represent generosity, making the abstract concept more concrete and relatable. The outcome of "increaseth" and "poverty" serves as a form of **Irony**, where the expected result (hoarding leads to wealth, giving leads to loss) is inverted by divine principle, revealing a deeper truth about the source of true abundance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This proverb articulates a core theological principle found throughout Scripture: God's economy often operates on principles contrary to human intuition. It teaches that true security and abundance are not found in clinging tightly to possessions but in releasing them generously, trusting that God is the ultimate provider and sustainer. This generosity is not a transactional formula for wealth but an expression of faith and love, flowing from a heart that acknowledges God's sovereignty and abundance. It underscores the truth that what we give away for God's kingdom and for the good of others is not lost but invested in a divine economy that yields far greater returns, often beyond material measure, encompassing spiritual, relational, and even unexpected material blessings.

* [2 Corinthians 9:6](/2_corinthians/9-6 "2 Corinthians 9:6 - Sowing Generously")
* [Luke 6:38](/luke/6-38 "Luke 6:38 - Give, and it Will Be Given to You")
* [Malachi 3:10](/malachi/3-10 "Malachi 3:10 - Bring the Whole Tithe")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 11:24 serves as a profound challenge to our natural human inclination towards self-preservation and accumulation. It calls us to re-evaluate our understanding of security and prosperity, inviting us to embrace a counter-cultural generosity that trusts in God's ability to multiply what is given. This isn't merely about financial giving, but extends to our time, talents, energy, and even forgiveness and compassion. When we "scatter" these resources for the benefit of others and the glory of God, we participate in a divine flow that paradoxically leads to our own enrichment—not necessarily in material wealth, but in spiritual depth, relational richness, and an abiding sense of purpose and joy. Conversely, holding back out of fear, greed, or a lack of trust ultimately diminishes us, leading to a poverty of spirit, a constriction of relationships, and a life that misses out on the abundant blessings of God's kingdom. This proverb encourages us to live with open hands, knowing that true abundance is found in giving, not grasping.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to "withhold more than is meet" out of fear or a desire for control?**
* **How can I cultivate a more "scattering" mindset, trusting God with my resources (time, talent, finances) rather than hoarding them?**
* **What does "increase" or "poverty" look like in non-material terms (e.g., relationships, spiritual growth, peace) as a result of my generosity or stinginess?**

### FAQ

**Does this proverb guarantee material wealth for generous people?**

Answer: While Proverbs often connects righteous living with tangible blessings, it's crucial to interpret this proverb within the broader biblical context. It doesn't offer a simplistic, transactional guarantee of material wealth for every act of generosity. Instead, it reveals a general principle of divine economy: generosity tends to lead to overall increase, which can manifest in various forms—spiritual blessing, relational richness, unexpected provision, favor, or even literal material growth. Conversely, stinginess often leads to a holistic "poverty," not just financial, but also in terms of influence, relationships, and spiritual vitality. The focus is on the character of the giver and the principle of sowing and reaping, which is spiritual before it is material. The New Testament reinforces this, emphasizing that God "will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus" for those who are generous, as seen in [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Will Supply Your Needs").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 11:24 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. He is the supreme example of one who "scattered" himself, giving everything without reservation, and in doing so, brought about the greatest increase. Though "he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich" as stated in [2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Poverty for Our Riches"). Jesus did not withhold "more than is meet"; rather, He poured out His life as a ransom for many, as He declared in [Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve"), even to the point of death on the cross. His ultimate act of scattering, the giving of His very life, resulted in an immeasurable increase: the salvation of humanity, the establishment of His church, and His own exaltation to the right hand of God, as described in [Philippians 2:9](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9 - God Exalted Him"). Through His self-giving, we receive spiritual riches, eternal life, and an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for us, as beautifully articulated in [1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Imperishable Inheritance"). Thus, the principle of Proverbs 11:24 is not merely a wise maxim for human conduct but a profound reflection of the divine nature revealed in Christ's sacrificial love, demonstrating that true life and abundance are found in radical, self-emptying generosity.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 19:17

¶ He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.

Luke 6:38

Give, 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.

Deuteronomy 15:10

Thou 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.

Psalms 112:9

He hath dispersed, he hath given to the poor; his righteousness endureth for ever; his horn shall be exalted with honour.

Ecclesiastes 11:6

In 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.

Haggai 1:9

Ye looked for much, and, lo, [it came] to little; and when ye brought [it] home, I did blow upon it. Why? saith the LORD of hosts. Because of mine house that [is] waste, and ye run every man unto his own house.

Haggai 1:11

And I called for a drought upon the land, and upon the mountains, and upon the corn, and upon the new wine, and upon the oil, and upon [that] which the ground bringeth forth, and upon men, and upon cattle, and upon all the labour of the hands.