In a world where material possessions and wealth often take center stage, the concept of giving money can be a transformative and spiritually enriching experience. The Bible, a timeless guide filled with wisdom and lessons for life, contains numerous verses that speak to the act of giving, emphasizing its significance in the journey of faith.
From Old Testament teachings to the profound words of Jesus in the New Testament, the scriptures offer a wealth of insights on generosity, compassion, and the blessings that come from a giving heart.
In this article, we will explore 31 Bible verses about giving money, delving into their meanings and the invaluable lessons they impart. These verses serve as a source of inspiration, encouraging us to embrace the joy of giving, not only for the betterment of others but also for our spiritual growth and connection with the divine.
31 Bible Verses About Giving Money
The Bible contains numerous verses about giving money, such as 2 Corinthians 9:7 which emphasizes cheerful giving, Malachi 3:10 which speaks about bringing tithes into the storehouse, and Luke 6:38 which promises that generosity will be rewarded; these verses will be expanded and discussed thoroughly with more verses with accompanying lessons.
1. 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 to you.”
Lesson: This verse teaches us the principle of reciprocity in giving. When we give generously, it will come back to us in abundance. It emphasizes the importance of being open-hearted and generous with our resources.
2. Proverbs 3:9
“Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the first fruits of all your produce.”
Lesson: Proverbs 3:9 urges us to honor God with our wealth and the first fruits of our produce. This verse emphasizes the importance of giving God our best, not just what’s left over. It teaches us that by putting God first in our finances, we acknowledge His provision and sovereignty over our lives.
3. 2 Corinthians 9:7
“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
Lesson: The key lesson from this verse is that our giving should be voluntary and from a cheerful heart. God values the attitude of the giver as much as the act of giving itself. It encourages us to give with joy, not out of obligation or compulsion.
4. Malachi 3:10
“Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.”
Lesson: Malachi 3:10 speaks of tithing, which is giving a portion of our income to God. The lesson here is twofold: First, it emphasizes testing God’s faithfulness in giving back blessings when we are faithful in our tithing. Second, it underscores the importance of supporting the work of God’s house, ensuring that there is provision for both spiritual and physical needs.
5. Matthew 6:3-4
“But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”
Lesson: These verses emphasize the importance of giving discreetly and without seeking recognition. The lesson here is that genuine acts of kindness and charity should be done with a humble and selfless heart, seeking approval only from God, who will reward such secret acts of generosity.
6. Proverbs 22:9
“Whoever has a bountiful eye will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor.”
Lesson: This verse teaches that those who are generous and open-hearted towards the poor will be blessed themselves. The lesson is that sharing with those in need not only benefits others but also brings blessings and abundance into the life of the giver.
7. Acts 20:35
“In all things, I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.'”
Lesson: In this scripture, Paul recalls the words of Jesus, highlighting the joy and blessings that come from giving rather than receiving. The lesson is that a life focused on helping others and working hard to support the weak is a life that experiences true blessedness.
8. 2 Corinthians 8:12
“For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have.”
Lesson: This verse emphasizes that giving should be based on one’s willingness and ability, not on external pressure or comparison. The lesson here is that God values a willing heart and accepts our offerings according to what we have, not what we lack.
9. 1 Timothy 6:17-19 –
“As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.”
Lesson: These verses instruct the wealthy not to place their trust in riches but in God, encouraging them to be generous and share their abundance. The lesson is that true fulfillment and “life” come from being rich in good works and ready to share, rather than hoarding wealth.
10. Proverbs 11:25
“Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.”
Lesson: This verse teaches that those who bless others will themselves be enriched. It underscores the principle that generosity and kindness have a reciprocal effect, enriching both the giver and the recipient.
11. Deuteronomy 15:10
“You shall give to him freely, and your heart shall not be grudging when you give to him, because for this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in all that you undertake.”
Lesson: The lesson from this verse is that giving should be done freely and with a joyful heart. God promises blessings in all aspects of life when we give generously and without hesitation.
12. Proverbs 28:27
“Whoever gives to the poor will not want, but he who hides his eyes will get many a curse.”
Lesson: This scripture highlights the consequences of turning a blind eye to the needs of the poor. It warns that withholding assistance from the needy can lead to negative consequences, while generosity brings blessings.
13. Matthew 19:21
“Jesus said to him, ‘If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.'”
Lesson: Jesus instructs a wealthy man to sell his possessions and give to the poor, emphasizing that true perfection and eternal treasure are found in selfless giving and following Him. The lesson is that our wealth should not hinder us from pursuing a deeper relationship with God.
14. Romans 12:8
“The one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.”
Lesson: This verse encourages generosity and cheerfulness in giving. It teaches that contributing to others, leading with zeal, and showing mercy with cheerfulness are qualities valued in the Christian life.
15. 1 Chronicles 29:14
“But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able thus to offer willingly? For all things come from you, and of your own have we given you.”
Lesson: King David’s words emphasize that everything we have comes from God, and we should willingly offer back to Him. The lesson is that our giving should be a reflection of our gratitude and acknowledgment of God’s providence.
16. Proverbs 19:17
“Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.”
Lesson: This verse underscores that when we are generous to the poor, we are essentially lending to the Lord, and He will repay our deeds. The lesson is that acts of kindness and generosity towards those in need are pleasing to God and result in His blessings.
17. Hebrews 13:16
“Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.”
Lesson: These words remind us not to neglect doing good and sharing with others, as such sacrifices are pleasing to God. The lesson is that our acts of kindness and sharing are a form of worship.
18. Psalm 112:5
“It is well with the man who deals generously and lends; who conducts his affairs with justice.”
Lesson: This verse speaks of the well-being of those who deal generously and justly. The lesson is that generosity and fairness in our dealings with others lead to a blessed life.
19. Proverbs 28:25
“A greedy man stirs up strife, but the one who trusts in the Lord will be enriched.”
Lesson: This scripture warns against greed and highlights the contrast between trusting in the Lord and seeking wealth at the expense of others. The lesson is that trust in God leads to enrichment in various aspects of life.
20. Matthew 10:42
“And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.”
Lesson: Jesus emphasizes the value of even small acts of kindness and support toward His disciples. The lesson is that no act of giving, no matter how small, goes unnoticed by God and will be rewarded.
21. James 2:15-16
“If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, be warmed and filled,’ without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that?”
Lesson: These verses highlight the importance of not just offering empty words of comfort to those in need but taking tangible actions to help them. The lesson is that genuine faith is demonstrated through compassionate deeds, not mere words.
22. 1 John 3:17
“But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?”
Lesson: This scripture emphasizes that having material wealth and ignoring the needs of others contradicts God’s love within us. The lesson is that true love is shown through actions of generosity and support for those who are in need.
23. 2 Corinthians 9:10
“He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness.”
Lesson: This verse underscores the principle that God provides for those who sow seeds and give generously. It teaches that as we give, our resources are multiplied not only for our benefit but also to increase the harvest of our righteousness, emphasizing the spiritual rewards of generosity.
24. Proverbs 14:21
“Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner, but blessed is he who is generous to the poor.”
Lesson: This Proverb contrasts those who despise their neighbors with those who are generous to the poor. The lesson is that generosity is a blessing, and neglecting the needs of others is considered sinful.
25. Luke 12:33
“Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys.”
Lesson: Jesus encourages a detachment from material possessions and advises giving to the needy. The lesson is that our focus should be on eternal treasures rather than accumulating earthly wealth, and true security is found in helping others.
26. Galatians 6:2
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”
Lesson: This scripture emphasizes the importance of supporting and sharing the burdens of fellow believers. The lesson is that fulfilling the law of Christ involves bearing one another’s challenges and hardships and demonstrating love and unity within the Christian community.
27. Proverbs 31:20
“She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy.”
Lesson: This verse portrays a virtuous woman who opens her hand to the poor and reaches out to the needy. The lesson is that compassion and generosity are qualities to be admired and practiced.
28. 1 Timothy 5:8
“But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”
Lesson: This scripture underscores the responsibility of providing for one’s family and relatives. The lesson is that neglecting this responsibility is considered a denial of faith and a failure worse than that of an unbeliever.
29. Proverbs 11:24-25
“One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.”
Lesson: These verses highlight the contrast between generosity and withholding. The lesson is that those who give freely are enriched, while those who withhold what they should give suffer want. Blessings come to those who bring blessings to others.
30. Acts 4:32-35
“Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.”
Lesson: This passage depicts the early Christian community, where believers shared their possessions and provided for one another. The lesson is that unity, selflessness, and generosity within the church create a thriving and caring community where no one is in need.
31. Ephesians 4:28
“Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need.”
- Ephesians 4:28
Lesson: This verse encourages an honest and productive work ethic and emphasizes the importance of earning a living. The lesson is that through honest labor, we not only provide for ourselves but also have the means to share with those in need, promoting self-sufficiency and generosity.
Conclusion
As we conclude this exploration of 31 Bible verses about giving money, we are reminded of the timeless wisdom encapsulated in these sacred words. The scriptures teach us that giving is not merely an act of charity but a profound expression of our faith and love for God and our fellow human beings.
Whether it’s the principle of tithing, the call to help the poor and needy, or the encouragement to give with a cheerful heart, the Bible consistently reinforces the message that generosity is a pathway to abundant blessings.
