Old Testament
Proverbs 11:24
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Some scatter, yet increase; others withhold more than is proper, but it leads to poverty.
Compare translations
There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.
What Proverbs 11:24 means
Plain-English insight for readers
This verse highlights a paradox in generosity and wealth. It suggests that those who are willing to give freely, or 'scatter' their resources, often find that they actually gain more in return. In contrast, those who are overly cautious and hoard their wealth may end up facing poverty. The underlying principle is that generosity can lead to abundance, while greed can lead to lack. This reflects a broader biblical theme that encourages sharing and helping others, as it often results in blessings for the giver. The verse challenges the common belief that holding onto wealth is the best way to secure one's future, instead promoting a mindset of trust and openness in sharing what one has. Ultimately, it teaches that true wealth is not just about accumulation but also about the impact one has on others through generosity.
How to apply Proverbs 11:24 to your life
Consider how you can be more generous with your time, resources, or talents. Look for opportunities to help others, whether through donations, volunteering, or simply sharing your knowledge. Remember that giving can lead to unexpected blessings in your own life.
Curated for this public verse page. Proverbs Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Esther's story: Esther Becomes Queen (Esther 2:1–18)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Esther
Photo: Deror Avi, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 4.0. Source. Location: Tel Shiloh archaeological site, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Shiloh
Where Israel set up the tabernacle, and where God called the boy Samuel.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Proverbs 11:24
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Proverbs 11:24
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Proverbs
- Author
- Primarily Solomon, with other contributors
- Written
- Around 950-700 BC
- Genre
- Wisdom literature
- Original Audience
- Young people and all seeking wisdom
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Proverbs 11:24 mean?
Proverbs 11:24 highlights the idea that being generous can lead to greater abundance, while being overly cautious with resources can result in poverty. It suggests that sharing and giving can ultimately bring more blessings than hoarding wealth.
What is the meaning of 'scatter' in Proverbs 11:24?
In Proverbs 11:24, 'scatter' refers to the act of generously giving away resources or wealth. The verse implies that those who share freely often experience an increase in their own blessings.
How does Proverbs 11:24 relate to generosity?
Proverbs 11:24 emphasizes that generosity can lead to abundance. It suggests that sharing what you have can result in unexpected rewards, reinforcing the value of helping others.
What lessons can we learn from Proverbs 11:24?
From Proverbs 11:24, we learn that being open-handed with our resources can lead to greater wealth, while being stingy can lead to lack. It encourages a mindset of trust and generosity.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.