Proverbs 11:24

24 There is one who gives yet {grows richer}, but he who withholds {what is right} only [finds] need.

Proverbs 11:24 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 11:24

There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth
That scattereth "his own", as the Septuagint, Vulgate Latin, Syriac, and Arabic versions add: that disperses his money here and there, among many poor objects, plentifully and liberally; and his substance is so far from being lessened by such a conduct, that, by the blessing of God, it is increased more and more; or "become richer", as the Vulgate Latin; see ( Psalms 112:9 ) . So he that disperses and dispenses the word of God, and spreads the truths of the Gospel, and freely and fully preaches them, increases himself in spiritual knowledge and understanding; and [there is] that withholdeth more than is meet;
or, "right" or "just" F1, by the, laws of God and men; from himself, from his family, from his friends and relations, and from the poor of the church and of the world; and from the cause and interest of Christ, and what is necessary to support that, according to his ability; but [it tendeth] to poverty,
or "want" F2: such a man is often brought to beggary; there is a moth and rottenness sent into his substance, which secretly consume it: so he that withholds any truth or doctrine, that keeps back anything that may be profitable to the saints; this tends to the impoverishing: of his soul, and the souls of them that attend on his ministry.


FOOTNOTES:

F1 (rvym) "plus aequo", Vatablus, Mercerus, Gejerus; "plus quam aequum est", Cocceius; "prae quam rectum est, seu plus aequo", Michaelis.
F2 (rwoxml) "ad egestatem". Junius & Tremellius, Picator; "ad penuriam", Cocceius; "ad rasam egestatem", Schultens.

Proverbs 11:24 In-Context

22 A ring of gold in [the] snout of a pig [is] a woman [who is] beautiful but without discretion.
23 The desire of the righteous [is] only good, but the expectation of the wicked, wrath.
24 There is one who gives yet {grows richer}, but he who withholds {what is right} only [finds] need.
25 A person of blessing will be enriched, and he who gives water also will be refreshed.
26 He who withholds grain, the people curse him, but a blessing [is] for the head of him who sells.

Footnotes 2

  • [a]. Literally "adding more"
  • [b]. Literally "from what is right"
Scripture quotations marked (LEB) are from the Lexham English Bible. Copyright 2012 Logos Bible Software. Lexham is a registered trademark of Logos Bible Software.