Giving Makes You Wealthier

Here's an issue that doesn't make sense -- giving away money makes you wealthier. We've covered this issue a couple times in the past (see Does Giving Help Make You Wealthy or Are You Wealthy in Spite of Giving? and God's Blessing on 90 Percent of Your Income is Better than 100 Percent without the Blessing), but I wanted to come back to it again by highlighting this verse:

One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. Proverbs 11:24 (NIV)

A few thoughts here:

1. As is quite common, the Bible turns "conventional wisdom" on its head with this pronouncement.

2. Does it mean that a person literally gets more MONEY by giving or does "gains even more" refer to the good feeling you get from giving? Some say the former, some the latter, some don't profess to know.

3. Motivation in giving is key. If you read other verses of the Bible, you'll see that giving with the motivation to get more is not a proper attitude. But if you give to help others, the Bible says you will gain even more.

What's your take on this?

Comments

[ChristianPF]

This was a concept that was very difficult for my analytical head to understand when I first became a Christian. I still don't know why God made it work this way, but He is God and He calls the shots.

Personally, I have seen that there is a financial return for your giving, I don't think He was just talking about a "good feeling", although that comes as well, if you are doing it with the right motives. I have had numerous times in my life where I stepped up my giving and almost like clockwork, I would receive some unexpected financial blessing.

It is great that you bring up this point, because it (tithing) is the only area where God said that we CAN TEST HIM to see if He stays true to His word.

"Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this," says the LORD of hosts, "if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows." - Malachi 3:10

[Traciatim]

Yup, the next time I forget to pay a bill and they call I'll just say "Sorry, I gave that money away". I'm sure they will understand.

So how many of you are bringing 10% of your harvest like it describes?

[Gary]

This is a law of nature...cause and effect...what you give, you receive. These poor souls who can only think about their bills will always have their bills. The Universe is here to please. You will always get back what you are, not what you want. As old William Shakespear wrote about Ophelai, who was trying to convince herself that Lord Polonius had good intention and it wasn't just for the sex..."This above all: To thine ownself be true." Until you understand this fact you will probably always be lead down the wrong path... I truely believe there is no right or wrong...just consequences...where you are at today is because of the choices you made 3 to 5 years ago.

[Ryan]

A lot of pastors preach this sort of "prosperity ministry" that says that the more you give, the richer (financially) you will be. I personally do not agree and feel these churches are self interested.

[plonkee]

Giving away money with a good attitude, is a positive thing. Positive things are often rewarded. The discipline of giving money can help you in all sorts of ways financially, kind of like, its amazing what you can do if you put your mind to it. And it will definitely make you feel better. Giving money in an attempt to look good will rebound (like in excessive potlatching).

[Bobbi]

Giving makes you wealthier because it is consistent with the spiritual law of sowing and reaping (as in planting seed and later, reaping a harvest). The spiritual law of sowing and reaping works among Christians and non-Christians alike. Sure, some pastors and (tel)evangelists have screwed up this concept (perhaps in an effort to enrich themselves), but that we reap what we sow remains true regardless.

[Elena]

Ryan,

I tend to agree with you. Self-interest. Very well said.

[Elena]

So, if I give a full 10% of my earnings from my income as a drug dealer or pornobusiness owner, the god is now bound to " open for me the windows of heaven"? How interesting!

I do not see anything in that quote that says how my money should have been earned, or what kind of person (morality-wise) I should be. The god now has to keep his promise, doesn't he?

[Andy H]

FMF,

I think it's pretty funny (sad?) how angry people get whenever you talk about tithing.

Pulling teeth!

[FMF]

Triciatim and Elena --

How about you two read the entire post and the full extent of what I said? Or would you just rather make ignorant comments?

[Jason]

Everybody grow up. It's important to keep an open mind in these type of discussions. There are many people who tithe who see extraordinary financial freedom because of it. And even people who aren't christians but still are charitable and give money away are THE MOST wealthy people in the world. Look at Oprah. Paul Newman. The list could go on.

And the people who are ridiculing others for their beliefs on this subject should move to Canada or something, because you definitely don't belong in America.

P.S. Ryan, it's true some churches are self-interested. Good point.

[Elena]

FMF,

I re-read your entire post. So, what is wrong with Ryan comment and my response to that? Because I just basically agreed with him and didn't add anything new to the conversation at that point.

[Elena]

P.S. My second post was addressed to ChristianPF, I forgot to mention that. Sorry.

[Elena]

Quote: "There are many people who tithe who see extraordinary financial freedom because of it. And even people who aren't christians but still are charitable and give money away are THE MOST wealthy people in the world. Look at Oprah. Paul Newman. The list could go on."

I wonder how much they gave BEFORE they got rich. Would be interesting to find out.

[Elena]

Jason said: "And the people who are ridiculing others for their beliefs on this subject should move to Canada or something, because you definitely don't belong in America."

Let me get it stright... If someone pokes fun of Christian (or Islamic, or woodoo) religion, he or she does not belong in America? Why not?

[Traciatim]

"Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law." Romans 13:8 (NIV)

So which is more important, Debt payment or Generosity? The problem with trying to figure out what they really meant thousands of years ago in today's context is the same problem of trying to believe elementary school gossip or a game of 'Telephone'. There is no verifiable source of the original intent.

Rules:
1) Take care of and respect Yourself
2) Take care of and respect Family
3) Take care of and respect Community

Bang, you have a new religion that fixes the world in 3 easy steps. No reading, no Kneeling, No 'Oh please Lord, give me cash cause I gave some away'. If everyone would just do that the world would be great. Instead we have to bicker about which passage is most convenient for whatever action your doing at the time or which god is better than the other god. Then you go off killing people over something that was made up by people in the first place. I'm a firm believer that religion destroys humanity.

[Elena]

I am not sure if it destroys it, but it surely slows down its progress, or at least it has done so in the past.

[garyatk]

Traciatim and Elana,

It is very true that "religion destroys humanity". God is not pleased by religion either, but He loves humanity. Maybe now is a good time for you (and everyone else) to get to know God. Then you will understand why all of us that do love Him, Love giving back to Him the blessings He has given us. God loves you and so do I!

[Elena]

garyatk,

I think I WOULD like meet god and have a conversation with him. I enjoy finding challenges and I am sure that he will be a very interesting one.

Could you tell me where could I find him?

[FMF]

Elena --

"You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:13

If you truly want to find God, you need to earnestly start seeking Him.

[Traciatim]

Hmmm, so all I have to do is honestly actually be trying to find him and he will appear? Don't they lock people up that think things like this?

[FMF]

Traciatim --

Yep, though I hardly think you're up to the task of openly and honestly trying to seek much when it comes to this subject.

[Elena]

FMF,

I have a few pretty funny comments in my head regarding your last quote, but I feel that there is no good reason for me to be harsh toward what I understand is a serious philosophical issue for you. I respect your space, but please spare me the temptation!

[Jason]

Elena,
There's a difference between poking fun and ridiculing. You might've been poking fun but it seemed like you were straight up dissing christianity. In which case if you were ridiculing christianity (or any religion), that's when I have a problem. So I apologize for accusing you.

Bottom line I just think that giving (whether it be in the form of tithing, or charity, what have you), is beneficial for everybody.

[Susan]

I like Janine Bolon's (smartcentsinc.com) thoughts about giving, "it's your rent for occupying space on the planet."

[Jason]

Well said, Susan. I think of it that way as well.

[Elena]

Jason,

I will be honest with you, I was poking fun at the Bible, or, more correctly, at the quote provided. I very often poke fun at Christians, Bible, churches, you name it. You have to forgive me - I laugh in order not to cry. However, I hope I talk that in a mild enough manner that no one gets really hurt in the process.

[Elena]

Susan, I liked that quote alot, too!

[Patty]

I always thought that tithing was part of a "sacrifice" that we make of ourselves. Yes, God already has plenty of money, but is trying to teach us not to be so greedy with ours. It's in the effect of giving to help others. You get to feel good about yourself and yes, there are times when I have done this and gotten a little bit of extra luck here and there. I don't think it has to be exactly 10%, but needs to be an amount that you are sacrificing part of yourself to honor God by helping others.

[Graham]

The concept of tithing and giving offerings to the ministries at our local church or missions outreach is unfortunately something that non-christians can't truly understand. Thus it makes sense that a lot of you seem to have issues with the notion that we should "give away" 10% of our income.

If and when (and I do pray you do) you become a Christian and you make that commitment it will make a lot more sense why you would want to tithe. It will still be hard for most at first, and potentially a struggle for some. But as you grow and mature it will make a lot more sense. As a Christian I still have to let go of my inherent desire to control my own situation with finances more than I should. Trusting God is hard. But it's the best thing to do.

To the non believers here...this isn't a debate or an argument. But think deep down in your heart about these things. God is real, he exists. He created you and me and he wants to be your friend. If you have any questions at all there are a lot of great resources out there. Just ask one of us!

[Tyler Murray]

There are many churches in the world that are greedy and selfish and want money all for themselves

its true

BUT

there are thousands out there giving away from the goodness of their hearts for the sole purpose tojust give. They don't want anything return.

What God gives back, whether it be financial security or spiritual happiness, is the reward for LOVING other people no matter what and having faith in giving to others.

If we just take a step back and realize that all God wants us to do is LOVE him, LOVE other, and LOVE ourselves..our world could be a much better place

I don't understand why veryone gets so furious when people argue about these things.

there are people that give for wrong reasons
and people that give for right reasons

why critisize God for that?

isn't that our own fault?

by the way i believe in my heart that those people who were giving for the right reasons...would still give..whether or not there would be ANY return at all...for the simple fact that it is the right thing to do.

[Tyler Murray]

p.s.
Pure altruism is giving without regard to reward or the benefits of recognition.

research the benefits of "ALTRUISM"

[LC]

This is something I also find to be true. Because of our low expenses, we end up giving about 10-12% of our income and living on only about 20%. Because we are so used to saving money, it is sometimes difficult to give such a large amount, since our tithe is higher than our next biggest expense. But it reminds me that tithing is meant to be sacrificial, and we are happy to be able to give so much and it is true that we have been blessed (financially and otherwise) from being faithful in this area.

I think that the "Prosperity gospel" may have been harmful to the outreach of the church because it does paint a picture of greed that turns a lot of people off. However, it is a minority of Christians who think this way - they just tend to get a lot of press.

This is such a controversial topic because although 10% of one's income is not so much that it would alter your standard of living (most people spend more than this on non essential things), it is still a large amount of money that a lot of people see as simply disappearing when they give it away. For these people, as well as people who give only to get something back, I would rather they not tithe since it is not given cheerfully. For the rest of us, we are happy to be able to give back to God in thanks for all His blessings. This controversy will never end because it is human nature to hang on to our weatlh as much as we can.

[Albert]

""Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law." Romans 13:8 (NIV)

So which is more important, Debt payment or Generosity? The problem with trying to figure out what they really meant thousands of years ago in today's context is the same problem of trying to believe elementary school gossip or a game of 'Telephone'. There is no verifiable source of the original intent."

The intent can be found it the Bible. When in doubt, seek context. "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your mind, and with all your soul." If this is the case one would give first to God and then to debtors.