Be Charitable

Of course men should be charitable, because it is a duty and a pleasure. But even as a matter of policy, if you possess no higher incentive, you will find that the liberal man will command patronage, while the sordid, uncharitable miser will be avoided.

Of course, men should be charitable because giving is both a duty and a pleasure. But even if you have no higher motive, generosity is good business. You will find that a generous man attracts customers, while people avoid a greedy, uncharitable miser.

Solomon says: "There is that scattereth and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than meet, but it tendeth to poverty." Of course the only true charity is that which is from the heart.

Solomon says: "Some give freely and still grow richer. Others hold back more than they should, but this leads to poverty." Of course, the only true charity comes from the heart.

The best kind of charity is to help those who are willing to help themselves. Promiscuous almsgiving, without inquiring into the worthiness of the applicant, is bad in every sense. But to search out and quietly assist those who are struggling for themselves, is the kind that "scattereth and yet increaseth." But don't fall into the idea that some persons practice, of giving a prayer instead of a potato, and a benediction instead of bread, to the hungry. It is easier to make Christians with full stomachs than empty.

The best kind of charity helps those who are willing to help themselves. Giving money indiscriminately, without checking whether the person asking deserves help, is bad in every way. But seeking out and quietly helping those working to support themselves is the charity that "gives and yet grows." But don't follow some people's practice of giving the hungry a prayer instead of a potato, a blessing instead of bread. It is easier to make Christians of people with full stomachs than empty ones.