Proverbs 11:24
Proverbs 11:24 in Multiple Translations
One gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds what is right, only to become poor.
There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.
There is that scattereth, and increaseth yet more; And there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth only to want.
A man may give freely, and still his wealth will be increased; and another may keep back more than is right, but only comes to be in need.
If you give generously you receive more, but if you keep back what you should give, you end up poor.
There is that scattereth, and is more increased: but hee that spareth more then is right, surely commeth to pouertie.
There is who is scattering, and yet is increased, And who is keeping back from uprightness, only to want.
There is one who scatters, and increases yet more. There is one who withholds more than is appropriate, but gains poverty.
There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.
Some distribute their own goods, and grow richer: others take away what is not their own, and are always in want.
Some people give their money generously to poor people, but they become richer in spite of that, and some people hold tightly to their money, but they still become poor in spite of that.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 11:24
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 11:24 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
יֵ֣שׁ
מְ֭פַזֵּר
וְ/נוֹסָ֥ף
ע֑וֹד
וְ/חוֹשֵׂ֥ךְ
מִ֝/יֹּ֗שֶׁר
אַךְ
לְ/מַחְסֽוֹר
יֵ֣שׁ
yêsh
H3426
there
Part
מְ֭פַזֵּר
pâzar
H6340
to scatter
V-Piel
וְ/נוֹסָ֥ף
yâçaph
H3254
to add
Conj | V-Niphal
ע֑וֹד
ʻôwd
H5750
still
Adv
וְ/חוֹשֵׂ֥ךְ
châsak
H2820
to withhold
Conj | V-Qal
מִ֝/יֹּ֗שֶׁר
yôsher
H3476
uprightness
Prep | N-ms
אַךְ
ʼak
H389
surely
DirObjM
לְ/מַחְסֽוֹר
machçôwr
H4270
need
Prep | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 11:24
יֵ֣שׁ
yêsh
H3426
"there"
Part
This Hebrew word means 'there is' or 'there are', used to show existence or being. It appears in various forms, like 'to be' or 'to have'. In the Bible, it's used in Genesis and Psalms to describe God's presence.
Definition: 1) being, existence, substance, there is or are 1a) substance 1b) existence 1c) there is or are Aramaic equivalent: i.tay (אִיתַי "there is" H0383)
Usage: Occurs in 129 OT verses. KJV: (there) are, (he, it, shall, there, there may, there shall, there should) be, thou do, had, hast, (which) hath, (I, shalt, that) have, (he, it, there) is, substance, it (there) was, (there) were, ye will, thou wilt, wouldest. See also: Genesis 18:24; Nehemiah 5:2; Psalms 7:4.
מְ֭פַזֵּר
pâzar
H6340
"to scatter"
V-Piel
This word means to scatter or disperse, like throwing seeds in all directions. It can be used to describe either spreading something out in a positive way or forcing people to flee in fear.
Definition: 1) to scatter, disperse 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to scatter 1a2) scattered (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be scattered 1c) (Piel) to scatter 1d) (Pual) to be scattered
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: disperse, scatter (abroad). See also: Esther 3:8; Psalms 147:16; Psalms 53:6.
וְ/נוֹסָ֥ף
yâçaph
H3254
"to add"
Conj | V-Niphal
To add means to increase or do something again, like adding more of something or continuing an action. This word is used in the Bible to describe growth or repetition.
Definition: : add/more[amount] 1) to add, increase, do again 1a) (Qal) to add, increase, do again 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to join, join oneself to 1b2) to be joined, be added to 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to add, increase 1c2) to do more, do again
Usage: Occurs in 205 OT verses. KJV: add, [idiom] again, [idiom] any more, [idiom] cease, [idiom] come more, [phrase] conceive again, continue, exceed, [idiom] further, [idiom] gather together, get more, give more-over, [idiom] henceforth, increase (more and more), join, [idiom] longer (bring, do, make, much, put), [idiom] (the, much, yet) more (and more), proceed (further), prolong, put, be (strong-) er, [idiom] yet, yield. See also: Genesis 4:2; 2 Samuel 19:14; Psalms 10:18.
ע֑וֹד
ʻôwd
H5750
"still"
Adv
The word 'still' means something continues or happens again, like in Genesis 29:26 and Isaiah 2:11. It can also mean 'more' or 'additionally'.
Definition: subst 1) a going round, continuance adv 2) still, yet, again, besides 2a) still, yet (of continuance or persistence) 2b) still, yet, more (of addition or repetition) 2c) again 2d) still, moreover, besides Aramaic equivalent: od (עוֹד "still" H5751)
Usage: Occurs in 459 OT verses. KJV: again, [idiom] all life long, at all, besides, but, else, further(-more), henceforth, (any) longer, (any) more(-over), [idiom] once, since, (be) still, when, (good, the) while (having being), (as, because, whether, while) yet (within). See also: Genesis 4:25; Judges 9:37; 2 Chronicles 32:16.
וְ/חוֹשֵׂ֥ךְ
châsak
H2820
"to withhold"
Conj | V-Qal
This verb means to withhold or restrain something. It can also mean to spare, preserve, or observe. In the Bible, it is used to describe holding back or keeping something for oneself.
Definition: 1) to withhold, restrain, hold back, keep in check, refrain 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to withhold, keep back, keep for oneself, keep from, hold in check, refrain, spare, reserve 1a2) to restrain, check 1b) (Niphal) to assuage, be spared
Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: assuage, [idiom] darken, forbear, hinder, hold back, keep (back), punish, refrain, reserve, spare, withhold. See also: Genesis 20:6; Job 33:18; Psalms 19:14.
מִ֝/יֹּ֗שֶׁר
yôsher
H3476
"uprightness"
Prep | N-ms
Uprightness means being morally straight and even, like doing what is right and fair. It appears in books like Proverbs and Isaiah, guiding people to live with integrity. God values uprightness, as seen in Psalm 92:15.
Definition: 1) straightness, uprightness 1a) straightness, evenness (moral implications) 1b) rightness, uprightness 1c) what is right, what is due
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: equity, meet, right, upright(-ness). See also: Deuteronomy 9:5; Psalms 119:7; Psalms 25:21.
אַךְ
ʼak
H389
"surely"
DirObjM
This Hebrew word is used to emphasize something, like saying 'surely' or 'certainly'. It can also be used to limit or restrict something, like saying 'only' or 'but'.
Definition: 1) indeed, surely (emphatic) 2) howbeit, only, but, yet (restrictive)
Usage: Occurs in 157 OT verses. KJV: also, in any wise, at least, but, certainly, even, howbeit, nevertheless, notwithstanding, only, save, surely, of a surety, truly, verily, [phrase] wherefore, yet (but). See also: Genesis 7:23; 2 Kings 23:35; Psalms 23:6.
לְ/מַחְסֽוֹר
machçôwr
H4270
"need"
Prep | N-ms
This word describes a lack or shortage of something, like a need for food or money. It is used in the Bible to describe poverty and want. In Deuteronomy 15:8, God commands the Israelites to lend to those in need.
Definition: 1) need, poverty, thing needed 1a) need, thing needed 1b) lack, want 1c) need, poverty
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: lack, need, penury, poor, poverty, want. See also: Deuteronomy 15:8; Proverbs 11:24; Psalms 34:10.
Study Notes — Proverbs 11:24
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 11:24 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 11:24
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 11:24
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 11:24
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 11:24
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 11:24
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 11:24
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 11:24
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 11:24
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 11:24
- Sermons on Proverbs 11:24
Context — Dishonest Scales
22Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout is a beautiful woman who lacks discretion.
23The desire of the righteous leads only to good, but the hope of the wicked brings wrath.
24One gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds what is right, only to become poor.
25A generous soul will prosper, and he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed. 26The people will curse the hoarder of grain, but blessing will crown the one who sells it.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 19:17 | Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender. |
| 2 | Luke 6:38 | Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.” |
| 3 | Deuteronomy 15:10 | Give generously to him, and do not let your heart be grieved when you do so. And because of this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything to which you put your hand. |
| 4 | Psalms 112:9 | He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever; his horn will be lifted high in honor. |
| 5 | Ecclesiastes 11:6 | Sow your seed in the morning, and do not rest your hands in the evening, for you do not know which will succeed, whether this or that, or if both will equally prosper. |
| 6 | Haggai 1:6 | You have planted much but harvested little. You eat but never have enough. You drink but never have your fill. You put on clothes but never get warm. You earn wages to put into a bag pierced through.” |
| 7 | Haggai 1:9–11 | You expected much, but behold, it amounted to little. And what you brought home, I blew away. Why? declares the LORD of Hosts. Because My house still lies in ruins, while each of you is busy with his own house. Therefore, on account of you the heavens have withheld their dew and the earth has withheld its crops. I have summoned a drought on the fields and on the mountains, on the grain, new wine, and oil, and on whatever the ground yields, on man and beast, and on all the labor of your hands.” |
| 8 | Proverbs 11:18 | The wicked man earns an empty wage, but he who sows righteousness reaps a true reward. |
| 9 | 2 Corinthians 9:5–11 | So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to visit you beforehand and make arrangements for the bountiful gift you had promised. This way, your gift will be prepared generously and not begrudgingly. Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things, at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written: “He has scattered abroad His gifts to the poor; His righteousness endures forever.” Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your store of seed and will increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way to be generous on every occasion, so that through us your giving will produce thanksgiving to God. |
| 10 | Haggai 2:16–19 | from that time, when one came expecting a heap of twenty ephahs of grain, there were but ten. When one came to the winepress to draw out fifty baths, there were but twenty. I struck you—all the work of your hands—with blight, mildew, and hail, but you did not turn to Me, declares the LORD. Consider carefully from this day forward—from the twenty-fourth day of the ninth month, the day the foundation of the LORD’s temple was laid—consider carefully: Is there still seed in the barn? The vine, the fig, the pomegranate, and the olive tree have not yet yielded fruit. But from this day on, I will bless you.” |
Proverbs 11:24 Summary
[This verse teaches us that when we give freely and generously, God can bless us and provide for us in amazing ways, as seen in Proverbs 11:24 and also in Luke 6:38 where it is written that 'give, and it will be given to you'. On the other hand, when we withhold what is right and do not give freely, we can end up becoming poor and lacking in many areas of our lives. This is not just about giving money, but about having a generous and willing heart, and trusting that God will provide for us and bless us as we give to others.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'give freely' in Proverbs 11:24?
Giving freely means to give generously and willingly, without expecting anything in return, as seen in Acts 20:35 where it is written that 'it is more blessed to give than to receive'
How can someone who gives freely gain even more?
This can be understood through the principle of sowing and reaping, as mentioned in Galatians 6:7-8, where it is written that 'whatever a man sows, that he will also reap'
What is the consequence of withholding what is right?
Withholding what is right can lead to poverty, as stated in Proverbs 11:24, and can also lead to a lack of blessings in one's life, as seen in Proverbs 28:27
Is this verse only talking about giving money?
No, this verse is not limited to giving money, but also includes giving of one's time, resources, and talents, as seen in Matthew 25:40 where it is written that 'whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me'
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can give freely in my daily life, and how can I trust God to provide for my needs?
- How does my attitude towards giving and generosity reflect my relationship with God, and what changes can I make to become more generous?
- What are some things that I have been withholding from others, and how can I start to give more freely in those areas?
- How can I balance the desire to give freely with the need to be wise and responsible with my resources, and what guidance can I find in Scripture to help me make these decisions?
Gill's Exposition on 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
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 11:24
There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 11:24
That scattereth; that giveth liberally of his goods to the poor; for so this Hebrew word is used, , He hath dispersed, which is explained in the following words, he hath given to the poor. Increaseth, through God’ s secret blessing upon his estate. More than is meet, Heb. from what is right or just, i.e. what by the law of God, and the rules of general justice, he is obliged to give; of which see . It tendeth to poverty; by God’ s providence secretly blasting his estate, either in his own or his children’ s hands, as it very frequently befalls covetous wretches.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 11:24
Proverbs 11:24 There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and [there is] that withholdeth more than is meet, but [it tendeth] to poverty.Ver. 24. There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth.] Bounty is the most compendious way to plenty; neither is getting but giving the best thrift. The five loaves in the Gospel, by a strange kind of arithmetic, were multiplied by a division and augmented by subtraction. So will it be in this case. But it tendeth to poverty.] St Augustine descanting upon those words, "They have slept their sleep, all the rich men, and have found nothing in their hands," - for so he reads that text - and why is this? saith he. Nihil invenerunt in manibus suis, quia nihil posuerunt in manu Christi. They found nothing in their own hands, because they feared to lay up anything in Christ’ s hands. Manus pauperum gazophylacium Christi, saith another father - the poor man’ s hand is Christ’ s treasury.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 11:24
(24) There is that scattereth—i.e., with bounteous hand (comp. Psalms 112:9), “and yet increaseth” in wealth and blessings (comp. Proverbs 19:17, and the old epitaph, “What we spent, we had; what we saved, we lost; what we gave, we have.”)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 11:24
Verse 24. There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth] The bountiful man, who gives to the poor, never turning away his face from any one in distress, the Lord blesses his property, and the bread is multiplied in his hand. To the same purpose the following verse.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 11:24
24. scattereth] Comp. Psalms 112:9 (where the same Heb. word is rendered dispersed); 2 Corinthians 9:6. yet increaseth] Rather, increaseth yet more, R.V. εἰσὶνοἱτὰἴδιασπείροντεςπλείοναποιοῦσιν, LXX.; Alii dividunt propria et ditiores fiunt, Vulg. more than] This, with A.V. and R.V. text, is the best rendering here, of the Heb. particle. It may, however, mean from, and be taken with the verb (keep from = withhold), and then we have the rendering of R.V. marg. withholdeth what is justly due. The two clauses of this verse are expanded into separate proverbs in the two verses which follow.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 11:24
Withholdeth more than is meet - i. e., Is sparing and niggardly where he ought to give. The contrast is stated in the form of a paradox, to which the two following verses supply the answer.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 11:24
24. Is… scattereth — Distributes liberally of its substance. Increaseth — Addition is continually made to its wealth. Is meet — Is right, proper, fitting.
Sermons on Proverbs 11:24
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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How God Taught Me to Give by Oswald J. Smith | In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal journey of how God led him to give towards missions. He recounts his experience of becoming the pastor of a church that held an annu |
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(Manitoba 2001) Counting the Cost to Follow Christ by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher tells a story about a man who refused to wear a special robe offered to him at a wedding feast. The man believed his own clothes were good enough and d |
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(God Can Solve Every Problem) Multitude Fed by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of surrendering one's life to God and partnering with Him in His work. He uses the story of a little boy who became a blessing |
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The Spiritual Grace of Giving by Denny Kenaston | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the theme of redemption and the grace of giving. He begins by acknowledging that the subject of redemption is vast and cannot be fully cover |
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Three Things God Requires by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher addresses the issue of Christians who live in luxury while neglecting to pay their servants. He criticizes those who prioritize their own desires and p |
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Annointing of Oil by Svend Christensen | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of understanding and remembering the Word of God. He refers to the incident in Acts 11 where Peter preached to the Gentiles an |
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(Proverbs) ch.11:12 - 12:21 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of honesty and truthfulness in our words and actions. He highlights that telling lies can lead to trouble and that honesty is |