The intention of this saying seems to be general and affirms that generosity is a good investment. Verses 25-26, which have to do with money, make the use of wealth central here also.

“One man gives freely, yet grows all the richer”: “One man” translates a Hebrew particle that merely states that something exists or happens; for example, “there is [one who] . . ..” This does not mean that the example given is typical but rather that it sometimes happens. “Gives freely” renders a verb meaning to scatter or disperse and is used in Psa 112.9 of giving generously to the poor. “Gives freely” then is to be taken as “gives generously” or “being generous with money.” However, the book of Proverbs nowhere encourages extravagance or lavish expenditures. “Yet” expresses a surprise in view of what was said before. “Grows . . . richer” renders a verb form meaning “adds to” or “increases,” and the sense is “yet the person generous in giving increases his wealth.”

“Another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want”: “Withholds” means “keeps back” or “does not spend.” “What he should give” is literally “what is due or proper.” “Only suffers want” is literally “only to poverty.” This line expresses the contrary of line 1. The person who holds on to his money ends up being poor.

Bible en français courant has a good model translation for the whole verse: “Some give generously and increase their fortune. Some save more than necessary and become poor.”

Contemporary English Version says “Sometimes you can become rich by being generous or poor by being greedy.”

Quoted with permission from Reyburn, William D. and Fry, Euan McG. A Handbook on Proverbs. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2000. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .