Proverbs 11:24–25 (NKJV) — 24 There is one who scatters, yet increases more; And there is one who withholds more than is right, But it leads to poverty. 25 The generous soul will be made rich, And he who waters will also be watered himself.

The key to plenty. Generosity produces plenty. There is an eternal law that works regardless of economic policy or conditions. Giving produces a return, just as planting produces a harvest. (See Malachi 3:10-12; Luke 6:38; II Corinthians 9:6-7.) Stinginess produces poverty.

It is helpful to think of money or other goods as seed. This analogy certainly does not mean money is to be thrown to the winds in a careless, thoughtless fashion. Rather, it should be sown carefully in good ground. Christians should be just as concerned about the integrity of the ministry in which they invest as farmers are about the condition of the field in which they plant. Those who give directly to those who are genuinely in need have planted seed in good soil.

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