The Art of Money Getting · Chapter
Be Charitable explained
The chapter argues that charity is both a duty and a pleasure, and that even from a practical standpoint, generosity attracts patronage while miserliness repels it.
What happens
The chapter argues that charity is both a duty and a pleasure, and that even from a practical standpoint, generosity attracts patronage while miserliness repels it. It distinguishes true charity—helping those who help themselves—from indiscriminate almsgiving, and warns against offering prayers instead of material aid to the hungry.
Themes in this chapter
Wealth and Character Development
Charity is presented as a reflection of character, and the chapter contrasts the generous man with the sordid miser.
Honesty and Integrity
True charity must come from the heart, and promiscuous almsgiving is condemned as dishonest in its lack of discernment.
Characters to notice
- Solomon
Quoted on the paradox of scattering and yet increasing.
Key passages
“There is that scattereth and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than meet, but it tendeth to poverty.”
Some people give freely and still grow richer, while others hoard excessively and end up poor.
Solomon's proverb is used to support the idea that generosity can lead to prosperity.
“The best kind of charity is to help those who are willing to help themselves.”
The most effective charity supports people who are already making an effort to improve their own situation.
This distinguishes self-help charity from indiscriminate giving.
“It is easier to make Christians with full stomachs than empty.”
People are more receptive to spiritual teachings when their physical needs are met.
A practical argument for material charity over purely spiritual consolation.