11:24

Notice the parallel parts that contrast in meaning:

24a
One gives freely, yet gains even more ;

24b
another withholds what is right, only to become poor.

This verse contrasts the unexpected financial results of being generous and stingy. The meaning of 11:24a is clarified or repeated in 11:25. The meaning of 11:24b is clarified in 11:26a.

11:24a–b

gives freely…withholds what is right: In this context, the phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates literally as what is right refers to what is right or appropriate to give to people who are in need. Because of the parallel with 11:24b, the first line implies that a person gives generously ⌊what he ought to give to people who are in need⌋ .

11:24a

One gives freely, yet gains even more: The Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as gives freely is literally “scatters.” Here it means “distributes widely, freely, or generously.” Scholars have interpreted this line in two ways:

(1) This line refers to people who give generously to others in need and yet become more prosperous as a result. For example:

It is possible to give freely and become more wealthy (New Living Translation (1996))

(2) This line refers to people who spend their money freely and yet become more prosperous as a result. For example:

One person spends freely and yet grows richer (God’s Word)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1), along with most versions and scholars. This interpretation fits the theme of 11:25–26.

11:24b

another withholds what is right, only to become poor: Some other ways to translate this line are:

but those who are stingy will lose everything (New Living Translation (1996))
-or-
another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want (English Standard Version)
-or-
Others don’t give what they should and end up poor. (New Century Version)

General Comment on 11:24a–b

In Hebrew, this verse begins with a word that means “there is/exists.” Literally, it says: “There is/exists ⌊a person⌋ who scatters.” The same word is also implied in 11:24b: “and ⌊there is/exists a person⌋ who withholds…” In languages that use a word like this, the Hebrew may provide a natural way to translate this verse. For example:

24a There are people who give generously to others and their wealth still increases.

24b There are also those who fail to share appropriately with those in need, and they become poor.

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