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What does the Bible say about giving?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible teaches that giving is a joyful act of worship and love, flowing from gratitude for God’s grace rather than compulsion or a desire for praise. Believers are called to give generously and cheerfully, trusting God to provide what they need, as 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 teaches. Jesus commends quiet, Godward generosity in Matthew 6:1-4 and says that giving reflects the mercy we have received from him in Luke 6:38. Acts 20:35 reminds us that it is more blessed to give than to receive. Christians should use their resources to meet real needs, do good, and store up treasure for eternity, remembering that kindness to the poor is service offered to the Lord.

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • 2 Corinthians 9:7

    Let each man give according as he has determined in his heart; not grudgingly, or under compulsion; for God loves a cheerful giver.

  • Luke 6:38

    "Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be given to you. For with the same measure you measure it will be measured back to you."

  • Acts 20:35

    In all things I gave you an example, that so laboring you ought to help the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that he himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"

  • 2 Corinthians 9:6

    Remember this: he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly. He who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.

  • Malachi 3:10

    Bring the whole tithe into the store-house, that there may be food in my house, and test me now in this," says Yahweh of hosts, "if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough for.

  • Proverbs 3:27

    Don't withhold good from those to whom it is due, When it is in the power of your hand to do it.

  • Matthew 6:1-4

    [1] "Be careful that you don't do your charitable giving before men, to be seen by them, or else you have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. [2] Therefore when you do merciful deeds, don't sound a trumpet before yourself, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may get glory from men. Most assuredly I tell you, they have received their reward. [3] But when you do merciful deeds, don't let your left hand know what your right hand does, [4] so that your merciful deeds may be in secret, then your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.

  • Hebrews 13:16

    But don't forget to be doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

  • 1 Timothy 6:17-19

    [17] Charge those who are rich in this present world that they not be haughty, nor have their hope set on the uncertainty of riches, but on the living God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy; [18] that they do good, that they be rich in good works, that they be ready to distribute, willing to communicate; [19] laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold of eternal life.

  • Proverbs 19:17

    He who has pity on the poor lends to Yahweh; He will reward him.

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