One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. Proverbs 11:24-25
“One great reason why [people] practice generosity so little in the world is, their finding so little there. Generosity is catching; and if so many [people] escape it, it is in a great degree from the same reason that countrymen escape the small-pox — because they meet with no one to give it to them.”
Lord George Greville (1746–1816) on “Generosity” in A Dictionary of Thoughts, edited by Tryon Edwards (Detroit: Dickerson, 1908) 191. Lord Greville lived in Warwick Castle in England. I shot the header photo there back in 2008 when my family toured it. Unforgettable!
The idea that “generosity is catching” or that generosity is contagious is a divine truth older than this stately castle. We can trace this powerful idea back to the days of the Old Testament. Throughout human history people have lived in times with seemingly few generous people.
What should we do today? When others around us withhold unduly, Solomon would say to lead the way. Refresh others and see what happens! Generosity is catching because it dispels poverty. Few extend it because it requires faith, but those who do, gain even more.