There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.

PROVERBS 11:24KJV
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Proverbs 11:24 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 11:24 mean?

Proverbs 11:24 describes a surprising truth: some people give generously and end up with more, while others hold back more than they should and end up with less. The verse highlights that generosity can lead to increase, but stinginess often leads to lack.

This proverb comes from a collection of wise sayings attributed to Solomon, addressed to anyone seeking wisdom for daily life. The verse uses the image of scattering and withholding to show that the results of our actions are sometimes the opposite of what we expect. In the world of ancient Israel, these images would have made sense to people familiar with farming and the sharing of resources.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 11:24

  • פָּזַר (pazar, “scattereth”): This word means to spread out or disperse, often used for sowing seed. Here, it suggests someone who gives freely, not holding back.
  • יָסַף (yasaf, “increaseth”): This word means to add or increase. The verse connects generous giving with unexpected gain, challenging the idea that holding tightly to resources is the safest path.
  • חָשַׂךְ (chashakh, “withholdeth”): This word means to keep back or restrain. The verse points out that keeping more than is right can actually lead to poverty, not security.
  • כָּשֵׁר (kasher, “meet”): This word means what is proper or fitting. The verse does not criticize all saving, only keeping back more than is appropriate.
  • מַחְסוֹר (machsor, “poverty”): This word means lack or need. The warning is that stinginess can bring about the very shortage a person hoped to avoid.

Why Proverbs 11:24 matters

  • Proverbs 11:24 challenges the common assumption that holding tightly to resources always leads to security, showing that generosity often brings unexpected blessings.
  • The verse clarifies that wisdom is not just about personal gain but about living in a way that benefits others and, in turn, oneself.
  • In the context of Proverbs, this saying fits into a larger theme about the surprising outcomes of wise and foolish choices, encouraging readers to trust in the value of generosity.