Proverbs 11:24

24 One person spends freely and yet grows richer, while another holds back what he owes and yet grows poorer.

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 [Like] a gold ring in a pig's snout, [so] is a beautiful woman who lacks good taste.
23 The desire of righteous people ends only in good, but the hope of wicked people ends only in fury.
24 One person spends freely and yet grows richer, while another holds back what he owes and yet grows poorer.
25 A generous person will be made rich, and whoever satisfies others will himself be satisfied.
26 People will curse the one who hoards grain, but a blessing will be upon the head of the one who sells it.
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