I’ve attempted to collect some interesting proverbs, quotes and sayings on giving. Enjoy!
Giving is fishing. ~Italian proverb
Complete possession is proved only by giving. All you are unable to give possesses you. ~Andre Gide
For it is in giving that we receive. ~St. Francis Of Assisi
Nothing that you have not given away will ever be really yours. ~C. S. Lewis
Let us not be satisfied with just giving money. Money is not enough, money can be got, but they need your hearts to love them.–So, spread your love everywhere you go. Bl. Mother Teresa of Calcutta
We cannot hold a torch to light another’s path without brightening our own. ~Ben Sweetland
No one has ever become poor by giving. ~Anne Frank
It is possible to give without loving, but it is impossible to love without giving. ~Richard Braunstein
Blessed are those who give without remembering and take without forgetting. ~Elizabeth Bibesco
Blessed are those who can give without remembering and take without forgetting. ~Melvin Schleeds
It is expressly at those times when we feel needy that we will benefit the most from giving. ~Ruth Ross
If you have much, give of your wealth; if you have little, give of your heart. ~Arab proverb
The amount you give isn’t important. What matters is what that amount represents in terms of your life. ~Jim Rohn
The fragrance always remains in the hand that gives the rose. ~Heda Bejar
He that gives quickly gives twice. ~Cervantes
In the sphere of material things, giving means being rich. Not he who has much is rich, but he who gives much. ~Erich Fromm
This is the law of benefits between men; the one ought to forget at once what he has given, and the other ought never to forget what he has received. ~Seneca
Giving opens the way for receiving. ~Florence Scovel Shinn
Giving is true having. ~Charles Spurgeon
Giving is a joy if we do it in the right spirit. It all depends on whether we think of it as “What can I spare?” or as “What can I share?” ~Esther Baldwin York
The wise man does not lay up his own treasures. The more he gives to others, the more he has for his own. ~Lao-tzu
The manner of giving is worth more than the gift. ~Pierre Corneille
One must be poor to know the luxury of giving. ~George Eliot
He gives little who gives with a frown; he gives much who gives little with a smile. ~The Talmud
We are rich only through what we give. ~Anne-Sophie Swetchine
The ones that give, get back in kind. ~Pam Durban
It is more rewarding to watch money change the world than watch it accumulate. ~Gloria Steinem
There are those who give with joy, and that joy is their reward. ~Kahlil Gibran
To give without any reward, or any notice, has a special quality of its own. ~Anne Morrow Lindbergh
When you give yourself, you receive more than you give. ~Antoine De Saint-Exupery
The generous man grows rich in giving, the miser poor in taking. ~Danish proverb
We must not only give what we have; we must also give what we are. ~Desire-Joseph Mercier
Almsgiving never impoverished, stealing never enriched, and prosperity never made wise. ~English proverb
We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give. ~Norman MacEwen
You must give to get, You must sow the seed, before you can reap the harvest. ~Scott Reed
The generous man enriches himself by giving; the miser hoards himself poor. ~Dutch proverb
What you keep to yourself you lose, what you give away, you keep forever. ~Munthe
You have to sow before you can reap. You have to give before you can get. ~Robert Collier
You are like a tree, giving your shade to the outside. ~Arab proverb
Giving just a crumb to the hungry is worth more than giving lunch to the satisfied. ~Vietnamese proverb
Giving promptly is like giving twice. ~Sicilian proverb
Generosity is a virtue that transcends cultures and time, celebrated through the ages in proverbs, quotes, and sayings. As the Italian proverb wisely puts it, “Giving is fishing.” But what exactly does this mean? Let’s dive into the profound wisdom behind these quotes to uncover the beauty of giving.
The Paradox of Possession
“Complete possession is proved only by giving. All you are unable to give possesses you.” – Andre Gide
In a world often fixated on accumulating material possessions, Gide reminds us of a paradoxical truth: true ownership is not found in hoarding, but in giving. When we give, we let go of attachments and find freedom. The more we share, the richer we become, not in material wealth, but in the wealth of the soul.
The Cycle of Giving and Receiving
“For it is in giving that we receive.” – St. Francis Of Assisi
St. Francis Of Assisi beautifully encapsulates the essence of giving. Generosity is a cycle where the giver becomes the receiver. When we open our hearts and extend a helping hand, the universe responds in kind. The joy of giving is not just in the act itself but in the blessings and gifts that return to us.
True Ownership Through Giving
“Nothing that you have not given away will ever be really yours.” – C. S. Lewis
C. S. Lewis’s quote reminds us that the things we cling to most are the ones that possess us. True ownership is found in letting go. When we give freely, we release our grip on possessions and discover the liberation that comes with it.
Beyond Money: The Gift of Love
“Let us not be satisfied with just giving money. Money is not enough, money can be got, but they need your hearts to love them.” – Bl. Mother Teresa of Calcutta
Bl. Mother Teresa’s words challenge us to look beyond monetary donations. True giving involves the heart, the willingness to love and care for others. It’s a reminder that the most precious gift we can offer is our genuine love and compassion.
The Brightening Effect of Giving
“We cannot hold a torch to light another’s path without brightening our own.” – Ben Sweetland
Ben Sweetland’s quote illustrates the beautiful reciprocity of giving. When we support and guide others on their journey, our own path is illuminated. It’s a reminder that generosity not only benefits others but also enriches our own lives.
The Enrichment of Giving
“No one has ever become poor by giving.” – Anne Frank
Anne Frank’s words echo the sentiment that giving doesn’t deplete us; instead, it enriches our lives. Generosity is an investment in our own sense of fulfillment and purpose. The more we give, the richer our lives become.
Love and Giving: Inseparable
“It is possible to give without loving, but it is impossible to love without giving.” – Richard Braunstein
Richard Braunstein beautifully highlights the inseparable connection between love and giving. True love expresses itself through selfless acts of giving, reinforcing the idea that the essence of love is in its generosity.
Blessed are the Forgetful Givers
“Blessed are those who give without remembering and take without forgetting.” – Elizabeth Bibesco & Melvin Schleeds
These quotes by Elizabeth Bibesco and Melvin Schleeds remind us that genuine giving is not about keeping tabs but about selflessness. When we give without expecting recognition or repayment, our generosity shines even brighter.
Giving in Times of Need
“It is expressly at those times when we feel needy that we will benefit the most from giving.” – Ruth Ross
Ruth Ross’s quote emphasizes that giving isn’t limited to times of abundance; it’s most meaningful when we share even when we have little. In our moments of need, the act of giving can be a source of healing and empowerment.
The Value of Heartfelt Giving
“If you have much, give of your wealth; if you have little, give of your heart.” – Arab proverb
This Arab proverb highlights that the value of giving isn’t determined by the quantity of what we give, but by the sincerity and love behind our actions. Whether we possess wealth or not, we all have the capacity to give from the heart.
The Essence of Giving
“The amount you give isn’t important. What matters is what that amount represents in terms of your life.” – Jim Rohn
Jim Rohn’s quote underlines that the significance of giving is not in the material quantity but in the personal significance. What we give reflects our values, priorities, and the impact we wish to make on the world.
The Lasting Fragrance of Giving
“The fragrance always remains in the hand that gives the rose.” – Heda Bejar
Heda Bejar’s metaphorical quote beautifully captures the enduring impact of giving. When we extend kindness and generosity, the positive effects linger not only in the hearts of others but also within us.
Promptness in Giving
“He that gives quickly gives twice.” – Cervantes
Cervantes’s words remind us of the power of timely giving. Acts of generosity that are swift and spontaneous often carry double the impact, leaving a lasting impression on both the giver and the receiver.
True Wealth: Giving
“In the sphere of material things, giving means being rich. Not he who has much is rich, but he who gives much.” – Erich Fromm
Erich Fromm challenges the conventional notion of wealth. True richness is not measured by what we accumulate but by how much we give. Generosity is the currency of true abundance.
The Law of Reciprocity
“This is the law of benefits between men; the one ought to forget at once what he has given, and the other ought never to forget what he has received.” – Seneca
Seneca’s quote emphasizes the importance of humility in both giving and receiving. The giver should not dwell on their actions, while the receiver should always cherish the kindness they’ve received.
The Pathway to Receiving
“Giving opens the way for receiving.” – Florence Scovel Shinn
Florence Scovel Shinn’s succinct quote underscores the idea that giving is not a one-way street. When we give, we pave the path for blessings to flow back into our lives.
The True Essence of Having
“Giving is true having.” – Charles Spurgeon
Charles Spurgeon’s quote emphasizes that genuine wealth is not about possessing material goods but about the act of giving itself. When we give, we truly have in the sense of fulfillment and purpose.
The Spirit of Giving
“Giving is a joy if we do it in the right spirit. It all depends on whether we think of it as ‘What can I spare?’ or as ‘What can I share?'” – Esther Baldwin York
Esther Baldwin York’s quote encourages us to approach giving with the right mindset. When we view it as an opportunity to share rather than as a sacrifice, the act of giving becomes a source of joy and fulfillment.
The Wise Man’s Treasures
“The wise man does not lay up his own treasures. The more he gives to others, the more he has for his own.” – Lao-tzu
Lao-tzu’s wisdom highlights that the accumulation of personal wealth is not the path to wisdom. True wisdom lies in sharing and giving, which ultimately leads to a deeper sense of personal abundance.
The Value of Presentation
“The manner of giving is worth more than the gift.” – Pierre Corneille
Pierre Corneille reminds us that the way we give matters. A simple gift given with genuine care and thoughtfulness holds greater value than an extravagant gesture lacking sincerity.
The Luxury of Giving
“One must be poor to know the luxury of giving.” – George Eliot
George Eliot’s quote highlights the paradox that those who have experienced hardship often understand the profound luxury of giving. It’s a reminder that generosity can bring a sense of richness even in times of scarcity.
The Magic of a Smile
“He gives little who gives with a frown; he gives much who gives little with a smile.” – The Talmud
The Talmud’s quote beautifully illustrates that the impact of giving goes beyond the material value. A small gift given with a genuine smile holds far more significance than a larger gift given begrudgingly.
True Riches
“We are rich only through what we give.” – Anne-Sophie Swetchine
Anne-Sophie Swetchine’s quote reinforces the notion that our true wealth is measured by our capacity to give. The more we give, the richer our lives become in terms of fulfillment and purpose.
The Law of Reciprocity
“The ones that give, get back in kind.” – Pam Durban
Pam Durban’s quote reflects the universal law of reciprocity. When we give generously, we create a cycle of kindness that ultimately returns to us in unexpected and beautiful ways.
Watching Money Change the World
“It is more rewarding to watch money change the world than watch it accumulate.” – Gloria Steinem
Gloria Steinem’s quote reminds us that the true reward of wealth lies in its ability to make a positive impact on the world. Accumulating money for its own sake pales in comparison to the joy of witnessing the positive change it can bring.
Joyful Giving
“There are those who give with joy, and that joy is their reward.” – Kahlil Gibran
Kahlil Gibran’s quote celebrates the joy that comes from giving freely. When we give with a joyful heart, the act itself becomes a reward, enriching both the giver and the receiver.
Selfless Giving
“To give without any reward, or any notice, has a special quality of its own.” – Anne Morrow Lindbergh
Anne Morrow Lindbergh’s quote underscores the purity of selfless giving. When we give without seeking recognition or rewards, our actions carry a unique and profound quality.
Receiving More Through Giving
“When you give yourself, you receive more than you give.” – Antoine De Saint-Exupery
Antoine De Saint-Exupery’s quote beautifully captures the essence of giving. When we give ourselves—our time, our love, our attention—we receive not only the joy of giving but also the deep satisfaction of connecting with others.
The Generous vs. the Miserly
“The generous man grows rich in giving, the miser poor in taking.” – Danish proverb
This Danish proverb encapsulates the stark contrast between generosity and miserliness. While the generous soul grows richer through giving, the miser, who hoards and takes, ultimately impoverishes their own heart and soul.
Giving What We Are
“We must not only give what we have; we must also give what we are.” – Desire-Joseph Mercier
Desire-Joseph Mercier’s quote highlights that true giving goes beyond material possessions. It involves sharing our true selves—our kindness, empathy, and love—with others.
The True Nature of Almsgiving
“Almsgiving never impoverished, stealing never enriched, and prosperity never made wise.” – English proverb
This English proverb succinctly conveys the wisdom that generosity does not lead to impoverishment. In contrast, stealing and material prosperity do not enrich the soul or bring wisdom.
The Art of Making a Life
“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” – Norman MacEwen
Norman MacEwen’s quote beautifully distinguishes between making a living and making a life. While our livelihood is determined by what we receive, the true essence of life is shaped by the generosity and love we offer to others.
Sowing and Reaping
“You must give to get, You must sow the seed, before you can reap the harvest.” – Scott Reed
Scott Reed’s quote draws a parallel between giving and farming. Just as a farmer must sow seeds before reaping a harvest, we must give before receiving the abundant rewards of generosity.
The Enrichment of Giving
“The generous man enriches himself by giving; the miser hoards himself poor.” – Dutch proverb
This Dutch proverb poetically illustrates the contrasting outcomes of generosity and miserliness. The generous soul finds enrichment in sharing, while the miser’s hoarding leads to spiritual poverty.
The Permanence of Giving
“What you keep to yourself you lose, what you give away, you keep forever.” – Munthe
Munthe’s quote emphasizes the enduring nature of giving. While possessions may fade or be lost over time, the act of giving and the impact it has on others remain eternally preserved in the hearts and memories of those touched by generosity.
The Value of Promptness
“Giving promptly is like giving twice.” – Sicilian proverb
The Sicilian proverb underscores the importance of timely and spontaneous giving. Acts of generosity that are immediate and heartfelt hold a unique power and resonance.
The Tree of Generosity
“You are like a tree, giving your shade to the outside.” – Arab proverb
The Arab proverb likens a generous person to a tree providing shade to others. It beautifully illustrates that generosity is not about self-concern but about extending support and comfort to those around us.
The Worth of Compassion
“Giving just a crumb to the hungry is worth more than giving lunch to the satisfied.” – Vietnamese proverb
The Vietnamese proverb highlights the profound impact of giving to those in need. Even a small act of kindness can be worth more than a grand gesture when it comes to helping those who are truly hungry for assistance.
The Power of Timely Giving
“Giving promptly is like giving twice.” – Sicilian proverb
Sicilian proverb reminds us that timely giving holds a special significance. Acts of generosity that are immediate and heartfelt have a unique power and impact, often creating a double blessing for both the giver and the recipient.
Generosity is a universal language that transcends borders and cultures. These quotes, spanning time and space, teach us that the act of giving isn’t merely about material wealth; it’s about enriching our lives, spreading love, and making a positive impact on the world. As we reflect on these wise words, may we find inspiration to embrace the joy of giving, for in giving, we truly receive.