Topical Bible: Giving Too Much

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Introduction

The concept of giving is a central theme in the Bible, emphasizing generosity, charity, and selflessness. However, the Bible also provides guidance on the balance and wisdom required in giving, cautioning against giving excessively to the detriment of oneself or one's responsibilities. This entry explores the biblical perspective on giving too much, drawing from various scriptures and teachings.

Biblical Principles of Giving

1. Generosity Encouraged: The Bible consistently encourages believers to be generous. Proverbs 11:25 states, "A generous soul will prosper, and he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed." Generosity is seen as a virtue that reflects God's own nature and love.

2. Cheerful Giving: In 2 Corinthians 9:7, Paul writes, "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." This verse highlights the importance of the heart's attitude in giving, suggesting that giving should be voluntary and joyful.

3. Sacrificial Giving: The Bible also speaks of sacrificial giving, as exemplified by the widow's offering in Mark 12:41-44. Jesus commends the widow for giving all she had, emphasizing the value of the sacrifice over the amount.

Warnings Against Excessive Giving

1. Neglecting Responsibilities: While generosity is encouraged, the Bible warns against giving that leads to neglect of one's responsibilities. In 1 Timothy 5:8, Paul admonishes, "If anyone does not provide for his own, and especially his own household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever." This underscores the importance of balancing generosity with the duty to care for one's family.

2. Avoiding Enabling: Proverbs 22:26-27 advises against unwise financial commitments: "Do not be one who gives pledges, who puts up security for debts. If you lack the means to pay, your very bed will be taken from under you." This suggests that giving should not lead to personal financial ruin or enable irresponsible behavior in others.

3. Maintaining Stewardship: Believers are called to be good stewards of their resources. Luke 16:10-11 states, "Whoever is faithful with very little is also faithful with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little is also dishonest with much. So if you have not been faithful with worldly wealth, who will entrust you with true riches?" This passage highlights the need for wisdom and discernment in managing resources.

Examples and Teachings

1. The Macedonian Churches: In 2 Corinthians 8:1-5, Paul praises the Macedonian churches for their generosity despite their poverty. They gave beyond their ability, motivated by their commitment to God. This example illustrates sacrificial giving but also the importance of divine guidance and willingness.

2. The Parable of the Talents: In Matthew 25:14-30, Jesus tells the parable of the talents, emphasizing the importance of using resources wisely and productively. The servant who buried his talent is rebuked for his lack of initiative, teaching that resources should be used effectively for God's kingdom.

3. Ananias and Sapphira: Acts 5:1-11 recounts the account of Ananias and Sapphira, who lied about their giving. Their account serves as a warning against deceit and the importance of integrity in giving.

Conclusion

The Bible provides a balanced view of giving, encouraging generosity while warning against excess that leads to neglect of personal responsibilities or financial ruin. Believers are called to give cheerfully, sacrificially, and wisely, ensuring that their giving aligns with God's will and purposes.

Topical Bible Verses

2 Corinthians 9:7
Every man according as he purposes in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loves a cheerful giver.
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Acts 20:35
I have showed you all things, how that so laboring you ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
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Matthew 6:1-4
Take heed that you do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise you have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.
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Library

Extracts No. Iv.
... of its truth. Here again I must confess my misfortune in giving too much
grounds for the wrong construction. Every one knows however ...
/.../ballou/a series of letters in defence of divine revelation/extracts no iv.htm

Letter v. --On the Love of One's Neighbour.
... by your own showing this affection disturbs you, and prevents you giving your whole ...
and learned Christian has well said, we must not depend too much on this ...
/.../de caussade/abandonment to divine providence/letter v on the love of.htm

Introduction.
... construction (eg, in failure to enumerate the works of well-known writers or in
giving only selections from the list of their writings) but too much has been ...
/.../various/jerome and gennadius lives of illustrious men /i introduction.htm

The Preface
... And alas, we too much find the effect of this its easy frame; it often goes without
giving us warning; and as children when they happen upon a rolling engine ...
//christianbookshelf.org/allestree/the government of the tongue/the preface.htm

Composition and Style
... adding a weaker word to a stronger, as accusing one of sacrilege, and giving him
afterward ... to yield to these faults, so it is meanness to be too much afraid of ...
/.../kleiser/the training of a public speaker/composition and style.htm

Knowledge and Obedience.
... to His glorious power, unto all patience and long-suffering with joyfulness; giving
thanks unto ... tests and models for us; and it is perhaps not too much to say ...
/.../thomas/the prayers of st paul/v knowledge and obedience.htm

Jesus Heals a Leper and Creates Much Excitement.
... ["Luke says, 'departed', giving the merely ... his cure (John 9:34).2. He required the
decision of the priest to make him legally clean; and too much talk might so ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xxxiv jesus heals a leper.htm

Strong Souls.
... is pre-eminent over all sages is not so much that he ... the world." "I am the bread
of life." So, too, the author ... soul, the last Adam was made a life-giving spirit ...
//christianbookshelf.org/beard/strong souls/strong souls.htm

The Privilege of Prayer
... Let us not be always thinking of our wants and never of the benefits we receive.
We do not pray any too much, but we are too sparing of giving thanks. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/steps to christ/chapter 11 the privilege of.htm

The Narration
... to them too low, and common, and too much within the ... what they despise as easy is
not so much because of ... more by reproving faults, than gratify by giving advice ...
/.../kleiser/the training of a public speaker/the narration.htm