12 Bible Verses about Liberality

Yet builded we the wall, and joined it whole together, unto the half height. And the people were well minded to labour.

And certain of the ancient fathers gave unto the work. Hathirsatha gave to the treasure a thousand drams, fifty basens, five hundred and thirty priests' garments. And some of the chief fathers gave unto the treasure of the work, twenty thousand and two hundred pound of silver. And the other people gave twenty thousand drams, and two thousand pound of silver, and seven and three score priests' garments.

and to offer the wood at times appointed, and the firstfruits. Think thou upon me, O my God, for the best!

Now when Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Joshua the son of Jozadak the high priest, with the remnant of the people, heard the voice of the LORD their God, and the words of the Prophet Haggai, like as the LORD their God had sent him, the people did fear the LORD. Then Haggai the LORD's messenger said in the LORD's message to the people, "I am with you, sayeth the LORD." So the LORD waked up the spirit of Zerubbabel the prince of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua the son of Jozadak the high priest, and the spirit of the remnant of all the people: that they came and laboured, in the house of the LORD of Hosts their God.

Then gat up the principal fathers of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests and the Levites, and all they whose spirit God had raised to go up, and to build the house of the LORD at Jerusalem. And all they that were about them, strengthened their hands with vessels of silver and gold, with goods and cattle, and jewels, beside that which they gave of their own free will.

And as David dwelt in his house he said to Nathan the prophet, "Lo, I dwell in a house of cedar tree: and the Ark of the LORD's covenant dwelleth under curtains."

he said unto Nathan the prophet, "Behold, I dwell in a house of cedar trees, but the Ark of God dwelleth in the midst of curtains."

which Shelomoth and his brethren were over all the treasures of the dedicated gifts which David the king, and the ancient heads, of the captains over thousands and hundreds,

And them also King David did dedicate unto the LORD with the silver and gold that he consecrated of all nations which he subdued:

And so was ended all the work that king Solomon made for the house of the LORD. And then Solomon brought in the things which David his father had dedicated in silver, gold and other vessels, and put them to the treasure of the house of the LORD.

She openeth her hand to the poor, yea she stretcheth forth her hands to such as have need

Then took Mary a pound of ointment called nard, perfect and precious, and anointed Jesus' feet, and wiped his feet with her hair, and all the house was filled of the savour of the ointment.

And all the women that were wise hearted to work with their hands, span; and brought the spun work, both of jacinth, scarlet, purple and bysse.

Peter arose and came with them: And when he was come, they brought him into the chamber, and all the widows stood round about him weeping and showing the coats and garments which Dorcas made while she was with them.

And also certain women, which were healed of evil spirits, and infirmities: Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils, and Joanna the wife of Chuzaa, Herod's steward; And Susanna; And many others: which ministered unto them of their substance.

Nevertheless, ye give alms of that ye have, and behold: all is clean to you.

I have showed you all things, how that so laboring ye ought to receive the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how that he said, 'It is more blessed to give, than to receive.'"

He answered and said unto them, "He that hath two coats, let him part with him that hath none: And he that hath meat, let him do likewise."

Of the gathering for the saints, as I have ordained in the congregations of Galatia, even so do ye.

Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not exceeding wise, and that they trust not in the uncertain riches, but in the living God, which giveth us abundantly all things to enjoy them, and that they do good and be rich in good works, and ready to give and to distribute,

He hath dispersed abroad, and given to the poor, his righteousness remaineth for ever; his horn shall be exalted with honor.

He that is liberal in giving, shall have plenty; and he that watereth, shall be watered also himself.

He that giveth unto the poor, shall not want; but he that turneth away his eyes from such as be in necessity, shall suffer great poverty himself.

Send thy victuals over the waters, and so shalt thou find them after many years. Give part sven days, and also upon the eighth, for thou knowest not what misery shall come upon earth.

Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, purposed to send succour unto the brethren which dwelt in Jewry,

Neither was there any among them that lacked. For as many as were possessors of lands or houses, sold them and brought the price of the things that were sold, and laid it down at the apostles' feet. And distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.

how that the abundance of their rejoicing is, that they are tried with much tribulation. And thereto, though they were exceeding poor, yet have they given exceeding richly, and that in singleness.

For when I was in Thessalonica, ye sent once, and afterward again, unto my needs:

but every man with the gift of his hand, according to the blessing of the LORD thy God, which he hath given thee.

Upon some Sunday, let every one of you put aside at home, and lay up whatsoever he thinketh meet, that there be no gatherings when I come.

and keep the feast of weeks unto the LORD thy God, that thou give a freewill offering of thine hand unto the LORD thy God according as the LORD thy God hath blessed thee.

and gave after their ability, unto the treasure of the work, one and three score thousand drams, and five thousand pounds of silver, and a hundred priests' garments.

And Zacchaeus stood forth and said unto the Lord, "Behold Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor, and if I have done any man wrong, I will restore him four fold."

And all they that were about them, strengthened their hands with vessels of silver and gold, with goods and cattle, and jewels, beside that which they gave of their own free will.

and weighed them there the silver and gold and vessels for the heave offering unto the house of our God, which the king and his lords of his counsel and princes, and all Israel that were at hand, had given to the heave offering:

And certain of the ancient fathers gave unto the work. Hathirsatha gave to the treasure a thousand drams, fifty basens, five hundred and thirty priests' garments.

And the whole congregation of the children of Israel came together at Shiloh, and set up the tabernacle of witness there, and the land was in subjection before them.

And he made the laver of brass and the foot of it also of brass, in the sight of them that did watch before the door of the tabernacle of witness.

And they went - as many as their hearts couraged them and as many as their spirits made them willing - and brought heave offerings unto the LORD, to the making of the tabernacle of witness and for all his uses and for the holy vestments. And the men came with the women - even as many as were willing hearted - and brought bracelets, earrings, rings and girdles and all manner jewels of gold; and all the men that waved wave offerings of gold unto the LORD; and every man with whom was found jacinth, scarlet, purple, bysse or goats' hair or red skins of rams or taxus' skins, brought it. read more.
And all that hove up gold or brass, brought a heave offering unto the LORD. And all men with whom was found sethim-wood meet for any manner work or service, brought it. And all the women that were wise hearted to work with their hands, span; and brought the spun work, both of jacinth, scarlet, purple and bysse. And all the women that excelled in wisdom of heart, span the goats' hair. And the lords brought onyx stones and setstones for the ephod, and for the breastlap, and spice and oil: both for the lights and for the anointing oil and for the sweet cense. And the children of Israel brought willing offerings unto the LORD; both men and women, as many as their hearts made them willing to bring, for all manner works which the LORD had commanded to make by the hand of Moses.

And they received of Moses all the heave offerings which the children of Israel had brought for the work of the holy service to make it withal. And they brought, beside that, willing offerings every morning. And all the wise men that wrought all the holy work, came every man from his work which they made, and spake unto Moses saying, "The people bring too much, and above that is enough to serve for the work which the LORD hath commanded to make." read more.
And then Moses gave a commandment, and they caused it to be proclaimed throughout the host, saying, "See that neither man nor woman prepare any more work for the holy heave offering." And so the people were forbidden to bring: for the stuff they had was sufficient for them unto all the work, to make it; and too much.

And the officers of thousands of the host, the captains over the thousands and the captains over the hundreds came forth and said unto Moses, "Thy servants have taken the sum of the men of war, which were under our hand, and there lacked not one man of them. We have therefore brought a present unto the LORD: what every man found of jewels of gold: chains, bracelets, rings, earrings and spangles, to make an atonement for our souls before the LORD." read more.
And Moses and Eleazar took the gold of them: jewels of all manner fashions. And all the gold of the heave offering of the LORD, of the captains over thousands and hundreds, was sixteen thousand seven hundred and fifty sicles, which the men of war had spoiled, every man for himself. And Moses and Eleazar the priest took the gold of the captains over the thousands and over the hundreds, and brought it into the tabernacle of witness: to be a memorial unto the children of Israel, before the LORD.

And so was ended all the work that king Solomon made for the house of the LORD. And then Solomon brought in the things which David his father had dedicated in silver, gold and other vessels, and put them to the treasure of the house of the LORD.

And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much and a large heart, even as the sand along by the sea bank:

But now the LORD my God hath given me rest on every side, so that there is neither adversary nor any evil plague. And therefore I am disposed to build a house unto the name of the LORD my God, as he promised David my father, saying, 'Thy son which I will put upon thy seat for thee, he shall build a house unto my name.'

And Solomon determined to build a house for the name of the LORD, and a house for his kingdom: and told out three score and ten thousand men to bear burdens and four score thousand to hew in the mountain, and three thousand and six hundred to oversee them. And Solomon sent to Hiram king of Tyre, saying, "As thou didst deal with David my father and didst send him cedar wood, to build him a house to dwell in, even so deal with me now: read more.
that I may build a house for the name of the LORD my God, to consecrate it to him to burn sweet odours and to set shewbread before him perpetually, and for burnt sacrifices morning and evening, and on the Sabbath days, and the first day of every new moon, and in the solemn feasts of the LORD our God, so to continue ever in Israel. And the house which I build is great: for great is our God above other gods. So that who can be able to build him a house: when that heaven, neither heaven above all heavens, is able to receive him - what am I then that I should build him a house? Nay, but to burn sacrifice before him:

I have built thee a house to dwell in, and a habitation for thee to abide in forever."

Now therefore, as ye are rich in all parts, in faith, in word, in knowledge, in all ferventness, and in love, which ye have to us: even so see that ye be plenteous in this benevolence.

ye may be made rich in all singleness, which causeth through us, thanksgiving unto God. For the office of this ministration, not only supplieth the need of the saints: but also is abundant herein, that for this laudable ministering, thanks might be given to God of many, which praise God for the obedience of your professing the gospel of Christ, and for your singleness, in distributing to them, and to all men.

A loving eye shall be blessed, for he giveth of his bread unto the poor.

I have showed you all things, how that so laboring ye ought to receive the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how that he said, 'It is more blessed to give, than to receive.'"

{To the Chanter, a Psalm of David} Blessed is he, that considereth the poor; the LORD shall deliver him in the time of trouble.

Nevertheless, they gave money unto the masons and the carpenters, and meat and drink and oil unto them of Sidon and of Tyre, to bring Cedar timber from Lebanon by sea unto Joppa, according to the commandment of Cyrus the king of Persia.

"In the first year of king Cyrus, commanded the same king Cyrus to build the house of God at Jerusalem, in the place where the sacrifice is made, and to lay the foundation to bear threescore cubits height, threescore cubits breadth,

"Thus sayeth Cyrus the king of Persia: 'The LORD God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the land and hath commanded me to build him a house at Jerusalem in Judah. Whosoever now among you is of his people, the LORD his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem in Judah, and build the house of the LORD God of Israel. He is the God that is at Jerusalem. And whosoever remaineth yet in any manner of place, where he is a stranger, let the men of his place help him with silver and gold, with good and cattle, beside that which they willingly offer, for the house of God at Jerusalem.'"

And king Cyrus brought forth the vessels of the house of the LORD, which Nebuchadnezzar had taken out of Jerusalem and put in his god's house. Those did Cyrus the king of Persia bring forth by the hand of Mithredath the treasurer, and numbered them unto Sheshbazzar the prince of Judah. And this is the number of them: thirty basins of gold, and a thousand basins of silver, nine and twenty knives, read more.
thirty cups of gold, and of other silver cups four hundred and ten, and of other vessels a thousand. So that all the vessels both of gold and silver, were five thousand and four hundred. Sheshbazzar brought them all up, with them that came up out of the captivity of Babylon unto Jerusalem.

But in the first year of Cyrus the king of Babylon, the same king Cyrus commanded to build this house of God - for the vessels of gold and silver in the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took out of the temple at Jerusalem, and brought them into the temple at Babylon: those did Cyrus the king take out of the temple of Babylon, and delivered them unto Sheshbazzar by name, whom he made captain, and said unto him, 'Take these vessels, go thy way, and bring them unto the temple at Jerusalem, and let the house of God be builded in his place.'

And Josiah held the feast of Passover unto the LORD in Jerusalem, and they slew Passover in the fourteenth day of the first month. And he set the priests in their offices and aided them in the service of the house of the LORD. And he said to the Levites that taught throughout all Israel and were sanctified unto the LORD, "Put the holy ark in the house which Solomon the son of David king of Israel did build; ye need not to bear it upon your shoulders. Wherefore now serve the LORD your God and his people Israel. read more.
And prepare yourselves by your ancient households and companies, according to the writing of David king of Israel, and the writing of Solomon his son. And stand in the holy place according to the divisions of the ancient households of your brethren the children of the people, and after the division of the ancient households of the Levites, and kill Passover; sanctify and prepare your brethren that they may do according to the word of the LORD by the hand of Moses." And Josiah gave to the common people in lambs and kids, for Passover offerings only, unto all that were present thirty thousand by tally, and three thousand oxen; even of the king's substance. And his lords gave willingly both unto the people and also unto the priests and unto the Levites. Hilkiah, Zechariah and Jehiel, rulers of the house of God, gave unto the priests for Passover offerings two thousand and six hundred lambs and kids, and three hundred oxen. And Conaniah with Shemaiah and Nethanel his brethren, and Hashabiah and Jeiel and Jozabad, lords of the Levites, gave unto the Levites five thousand Passover offerings, and five hundred oxen. And so the service went forward: and the priests stood in their places, and the Levites in their companies at the king's commandment. And they slew Passover: and the priests sprinkled the blood, receiving it of the Levites, and the Levites stripped the beasts. And they fetched away the burnt offerings, to give them unto the common people as they were divided by ancient houses, for to offer unto the LORD; like as it is written in the book of Moses. And so did they with the oxen too. And they dressed the Passover with fire as the manner was. But the other hallowed, dedicated beasts they sod in pots, cauldrons and pans and divided them quickly among all the common people. And afterward they made ready for themselves and for the priests and for the children of Aaron, which were busied in offering of burnt offerings and the fat until night. And therefore the Levites prepared for themselves and for the priests the sons of Aaron. And the singers the children of Asaph stood in their standing according to the commandment of David and Asaph, Heman and Jeduthun the king's seer of visions: and the porters waited at every gate, and might not depart from their service. But their brethren the Levites prepared for them. And so all the service of the LORD went forward the said day, in offering Passover of burnt offerings upon the altar of the LORD, according to the commandment of king Josiah. And so the children of Israel that could be found, offered Passover the same time and kept the feast of sweet bread seven days. And there was no Passover like to that kept in Israel, from the time of Samuel the prophet: neither did any of the kings of Israel hold such a Passover feast as did Josiah and the priests and Levites and all Judah, and as much of Israel as could be had, and the inhabiters of Jerusalem. And this Passover was holden in the eighteenth year of the reign of Josiah.

And the eighteenth year of his reign king Josiah sent Shaphan the son of Azaliah the son of Meshullam the scribe to the house of the LORD, saying, "Go to Hilkiah the high priest, and let him sum the silver that is brought into the house of the LORD, which the keepers of the doors have gathered of the people; and let them deliver it into the hands of the workmen that have the oversight of the house of the LORD, which shall give it to them that work upon the house of the LORD, to repair the decayed places thereof - read more.
even unto carpenters and masons, and for to buy timber and free stone to repair the house.

And in the eighteenth year of his reign when he had purged the land and the temple, he sent Shaphan the son of Azaliah, and Maaseiah the governor of the city, and Joah the son of Joahaz, the recorder, to repair the house of the LORD his God. And when they came to Hilkiah the high priest, men delivered them the money that was brought into the house of God, which the Levites that kept the entries had gathered of the hands of Manasseh and Ephraim and of all that yet remained in Israel and of all Judah and Benjamin and of the inhabiters of Jerusalem. And they put it in the hands of the workmen that had the oversight of the house of the LORD. which gave it to the laborers that wrought on the house of the LORD, to repair and mend it, read more.
and to masons and carpenters to buy hewed stone and timber for to make couples and beams for the houses which the kings of Judah had destroyed: And the men wrought in the work of fidelity. And the overseers of them, to courage them forward, were Jahath and Obadiah, Levites of the children of Merari; and Zechariah and Meshullam of the children of the Kohathites; and as many other of the Levites as could skill of instruments of Music. And over the bearers of burdens and over all that wrought, in whatsoever workmanship it were, went there scribes, officers and porters of the Levites.

To do good, and to distribute, forget not: for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

And let every man do according as he hath purposed in his heart, not grudgingly, or of necessity. For God loveth a cheerful giver.

For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.

"Speak unto the children of Israel, that they give me a heave offering, and of every man that giveth it willingly with his heart, ye shall take it.

Yea, and to break the bread to the hungry; and to bring the poor that are harborless unto house; and when thou seest a naked, that thou clothe him and that thou shouldest withdraw thyself from helping thine own flesh?

For the land shall never be without poor. Wherefore I command thee, saying, 'Open thine hand unto thy brother that is needy and poor in thy land.'

Distribute unto the necessity of the saints, and diligently to harbour.

While we have, therefore, time; let us do good unto all men, and specially, unto them which are of the household of faith.

And in all the works that he began in the service of the house of God, to seek his God after the law and commandment, that did he with all his heart, and prospered.

And Hezekiah sent to all Israel and Judah, and thereto wrote letters to Ephraim and Manasseh, that they should come to the house of the LORD at Jerusalem, to offer Passover unto the LORD God of Israel. And the king held a counsel with his lords and all the congregation at Jerusalem to keep the feast of Passover in the second month. For they could not keep it at that time: for there were not priests enough sanctified, neither was the people gathered together to Jerusalem. read more.
And the thing pleased the king and all the congregation. And they decreed that it should be proclaimed throughout all Israel from Beersheba to Dan, that they should come and hold the feast of the Passover unto the LORD God of Israel at Jerusalem: for they had not often done it, as it is written how they should. And the messengers went with letters of the hand of the king and of his lords throughout all Israel and Judah, at the commandment of the king; which said, "Children of Israel, turn again unto the LORD God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, and so will he turn to the remnant of you that are escaped out of the hands of the king of Assyria. And be ye not like your fathers and your brethren which trespassed against the LORD of your fathers, which therefore gave them up that they are wasted, as ye see. Wherefore, be not stiff-necked like unto your fathers, but yield yourselves unto the LORD, and come to his holy place which he hath sanctified forever, and serve the LORD your God, that his wrath may turn from you. For if ye turn unto the LORD, then your brethren and your children shall find compassion in the presence of them that hold them captive, that they may come again unto this land: for the LORD your God is full of mercy and compassion, and will not turn his face from you, if ye turn again to him." And the posts went from city to city throughout the land of Ephraim and Manasseh and even unto Zebulun. But they laughed them to scorn and mocked them. Nevertheless, yet divers of Asher, Manasseh and of Zebulun meekened themselves and came to Jerusalem. And thereto the hand of God was in Judah, to make them of one accord to do the commandment of the king and the captains, which was according to the word of the LORD.

And when they had finished all this, then all Israel that were found in cities of Judah went out and brake the Images and cut down the groves, and all to break the hill altars and the other altars throughout all Judah and Benjamin, Ephraim and Manasseh, until they had made an end of them. And afterward all the children of Israel returned every man to his possession in their own cities. And Hezekiah set the priests and the Levites in their order to wait by course, every man according to his office whether priest or Levite, for the burnt offerings and peace offerings, and to minister and to thank and to pray in the gates of the lodge of the LORD. And the king gave a portion of his substance for burnt offerings at morning and even, and for burnt offerings on the Sabbath days and new moons and other solemn feasts, according as it is written in the law of the LORD. read more.
And he bade the people that dwelt in Jerusalem to give the part of the priests and Levites, that they might be maintained in the law of the LORD. And as soon as the word came abroad the children of Israel brought abundance of first fruits of corn, wine, oil and honey, and of all manner of fruits of the field: and the tithes of all manner of things brought they in plenteously. And the children of Israel and Judah that dwelt in the cities of Judah, they also brought in the tithes of oxen and sheep, and tithes of dedicated things which were dedicated to the LORD their God, and put them on heaps. In the third month they began to lay the heaps and finished them the seventh. And when Hezekiah and the lords came and saw the heaps, they blessed the LORD and his people Israel. And Hezekiah questioned with the priests and the Levites concerning the heaps. And Azariah the chief priest of the house of Zadok answered him, and said, "Since they began to bring the heave offerings into the house of the LORD, we have eaten and had enough, and yet left abundance, for the LORD hath blessed his people and thereof is this heap left."

See therefore that thou and thy sons and thy servants till the land for him, and bring in, that thy master's son may have food to eat. For Mephibosheth thy master's son shall eat meat always upon my table." For this Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants.

And David said, "Fear not, for I will surely show thee kindness for Jonathan's sake and will restore thee all the fields of Saul thy father, and thou shalt eat meat on mine own table always."

I have showed you all things, how that so laboring ye ought to receive the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how that he said, 'It is more blessed to give, than to receive.'"

Let him that stole, steal no more; but let him rather labour with his hands some good thing, that he may have to give unto him that needeth.

Let us make him a chamber with a little wall, and let us set him there a bed, a table, a stool and a candlestick, that he may turn in thither, when he cometh to us."

And it fell on a day, that Elisha came to Shunem, where was a rich woman that took him in for to eat bread. And as oft as he came that way, he turned in thither to eat bread.

It chanced after that, that Joash was minded to mend the house of the LORD. And upon that he gathered together the priests and the Levites and said to them, "Go out through the cities of Judah and gather of all Israel silver, to strengthen the house of your God, year by year, and see that ye haste the thing." Howbeit, the Levites were slack. Then the king called Jehoiada that was the chiefest, and said to him, "Why requirest thou not of the Levites to bring in, out of Judah and Jerusalem the sum appointed by Moses the servant of the LORD, and by the congregation of Israel, for the tabernacle of witness?" read more.
For wicked Athaliah and her children had broken the house of God, and had thereto bestowed all the dedicated gifts of the house of the LORD, about Baals. Wherefore at the king's commandment, they made a coffer, and set it at the gate of the house of the LORD: and made proclamation through Judah and Jerusalem to bring in to the LORD the taxation of Moses the servant of God, which he set upon Israel in the wilderness. And the lords and all the people rejoiced and brought in and cast into the coffer until it was full. And when the time came that the chest should be brought in by the hands of the Levites at the appointment of the king, when they saw that there was much money: then came the king's scribe and one appointed by the high priest, and poured out that was in the coffer, and then took it and carried it to his place again, and thus they did day by day, and gathered much money. And the king and Jehoiada gave it to workmen that wrought upon the house of the LORD, and hired Masons and carpenters to redress the house of the LORD, and so did they artificers in iron and brass, to repair the house of the LORD. And the workmen wrought and the work mended through their hands: and they made the house of God as it ought to be, and strengthened it. And when they had finished it, they brought the rest of the money to the king and Jehoiada, and therewith were made vessels for the house of the LORD: even vessels to minister withal and to serve for burnt offerings as ladies and vessels of gold and silver. And they offered burnt offerings in the house of the LORD continually all the days of Jehoiada.

And Jehoash said to the priest, "All the silver that is dedicated and brought to the house of the LORD in current money - that is to say, the money that every man is set at, with all the money that every man's heart giveth him to bring into the house of the LORD - let the priests take it to them, every man of his acquaintance, and let them repair the broken places of the temple in all the places where ought is found decayed." Neverthelater, the priests had not mended unto the twenty third year of Jehoash, that was decayed in the temple. read more.
Then king Jehoash called for Jehoiada the priest and for the other priests also, and said to them, "Why repair ye not the broken places of the temple? Now therefore see ye receive no more money of your acquaintance, but deliver it to repair the temple withal." And the priests consented to receive no more money of the people: But that it should go to the mending of the temple. Then Jehoiada the priest took a coffer and bored a hole in the lid of it, and put it beside the altar on the right side as a man cometh in to the house of the LORD. And into that did the priests that kept the doors, put all the money that was brought into the house of the LORD. And when they saw that there was much money in the coffer, the king's scribe and the high priest came, and knit up the money that was found in the house of the LORD, after they had told it. And they gave the money by sums into the hands of the workmen that had the oversight of the house of the LORD: and they brought it out to the carpenters and builders that wrought upon the house of the LORD, and to masons and hewers of stone, to buy timber and free stone, to repair the decay in the house of the LORD; and all that, that needeth repairing in the house. Howbeit there was not made in the house of the LORD, bowls of silver, shredding knives, basins, trumpets or any other instruments of gold or silver, of the money that was brought for the house of the LORD. For they gave that to the workmen, to repair therewith the house of the LORD.

He hath dispersed abroad, and given to the poor, his righteousness remaineth for ever; his horn shall be exalted with honor.

But the liberal person imagineth honest things, and cometh up with honesty.

And the lords and all the people rejoiced and brought in and cast into the coffer until it was full. And when the time came that the chest should be brought in by the hands of the Levites at the appointment of the king, when they saw that there was much money: then came the king's scribe and one appointed by the high priest, and poured out that was in the coffer, and then took it and carried it to his place again, and thus they did day by day, and gathered much money.

If thy brother, an Hebrew, sell himself to thee, or an Hebrewess, he shall serve thee six years and the seventh year thou shalt let him go free from thee. And when thou sendest him out free from thee, thou shalt not let him go away empty: but shalt give him of thy sheep and of thy corn and of thy wine, and give him of that wherewith the LORD thy God hath blessed thee.

I have commanded, that all they of the people of Israel, and of the priests and Levites in my realm, which are minded of their own good will to go up to Jerusalem, go with thee; and therefore art thou sent of the king and of the seven lords of the counsel, to visit Judah and Jerusalem, according to the law of God, which is in thy hand; and that thou shouldest take with thee, silver and gold, which the king and the lords of his counsel give of their own good will unto the God of Israel, whose habitation is at Jerusalem, read more.
and all the silver and gold that thou canst find in all the country of Babylon; with it that the people and priests give of their own good will unto the house of God at Jerusalem. Take thou the same, and buy diligently with the same money, calves, lambs, goats, and meat offerings and drink offerings, to be offered upon the altar of the house of your God at Jerusalem. And look: what it liketh thee and thy brethren to do with the remnant of the money, that do after the will of your God. And the vessels that are given thee for the ministration in the house of thy God, those deliver thou before God at Jerusalem. And whatsoever thing more shall be needful for the house of thy God, which is necessary for thee to spend, let the same be given out of the king's chamber. I king Artaxerxes have commanded all the treasurers beyond the water, that look: whatsoever Ezra, the priest and scribe in the law of the God of heaven, requireth of you; that ye fulfill the same diligently, until a hundred talents of silver, until a hundred quarters of wheat, and until a hundred baths of wine, and till a hundred baths of oil, and salt without measure. Whatsoever belongeth to the law of the God of heaven, let the same be done with diligence for the house of the God of heaven, that there come no wrath upon the king's realm and his children. And known be it unto you, that ye shall have no authority to require taxing and custom, yearly rents upon any of the priests, Levites, singers, porters, Nethinims, and ministers in the house of this God. But thou Ezra - after the wisdom of thy God that is in thy hand - set thou judges and arbiters, to judge all the people that is beyond the Jordan, even all such as know the law of thy God: and them that know it not, those see that ye teach. And whosoever will not diligently fulfill the law of thy God, and the king's law, shall have his judgment for the deed, whether it be unto death, or to be banished, or to be condemned in goods, or to be put in prison." Praised be the LORD God of our fathers, which hath so inspired the king's heart, to garnish the house of God at Jerusalem:

And I took out twelve of the chief priests, Sherebiah and Hashabiah, and ten of their brethren with them, and weighed them there the silver and gold and vessels for the heave offering unto the house of our God, which the king and his lords of his counsel and princes, and all Israel that were at hand, had given to the heave offering: And there weighed I them, under their hand, six hundred and fifty talents of silver, and in silver vessel a hundred talents, and in gold a hundred talents, read more.
twenty cups of gold of a thousand drams, and two costly ornaments of good brass, as clear as gold, and said unto them, "Ye are holy unto the LORD, therefore are these vessels holy also, and so is the silver and the gold that is given of a good will unto the LORD God of your fathers: Watch ye therefore and keep it, till ye weigh it down before the chief priests and Levites, and ancient fathers of Israel at Jerusalem in the chests of the house of the LORD." Then took the priests and the Levites that weighed silver and gold and vessel, to bring it to Jerusalem unto the house of our God. So we brake up, from the water of Ahava on the twelfth day of the first month, to go unto Jerusalem: and the hand of our God was upon us, and delivered us from the hand of the enemies and of such as laid wait for us by the way. And we came to Jerusalem, and abode there three days. But on the fourth day was the silver and gold and vessels weighed in the house of our God under the hand of Meremoth the son of Uriah the priest, and with him Eleazar the son of Phinehas, and with them Jozabad the son of Jeshua, and Noadiah the son of Binnui, the Levites, according to the number and weight of every one. And the weight was all written up at the same time. And the children of the captivity, which were come out of prison, offered burnt offerings unto the God of Israel: twelve bullocks for all Israel, six and ninety rams, seven and seventy lambs, twelve goats for a sin offering, all to the burnt offering of the LORD. And they delivered the king's commission unto the king's officers, and to the captains on this side the water. And they promoted the people and the house of God.

I do you to wit, brethren, of the grace of God, which is given in the congregations of Macedonia: how that the abundance of their rejoicing is, that they are tried with much tribulation. And thereto, though they were exceeding poor, yet have they given exceeding richly, and that in singleness. For to their powers - I bear them record - yea and beyond their power, they were willing of their own accord, read more.
and prayed us with great instance, that we would receive their benefit, and suffer them to be partakers with others in ministering to the saints. And this they did, not as we looked for; but gave their own selves first to the Lord, and after unto us by the will of God:

Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye bare part with me in my tribulation. Ye of Philippi know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no congregation bare part with me as concerning giving and receiving but ye only. For when I was in Thessalonica, ye sent once, and afterward again, unto my needs:

And when David was come to Mahanaim, Shobi the son of Nahash out of Rabbah, the city of the children of Ammon, and Machir the son of Ammiel out of Lodebar and Barzillai the Gileadite out of Rogelim, brought beds, basins, and earthen vessels: and also corn, barley, flour and parched corn, beans and rice, honey, butter, sheep and cheese of kine - for David, and all the people that were with him, to eat. For they supposed that the people should be hungry, fainty, and thirsty in the wilderness.

which Barzillai was a very aged man, even four score year old, and had provided the king of sustenance while he lay at Mahanaim: for he was a man of very great substance.

And all that believed kept themselves together, and had all things common. And sold their possessions and goods, and departed them to all men, as every man had need.

And the multitude of them that believed, were of one heart; And of one soul. Also, none of them said that any of the things which he possessed was his own: But had all things common. And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was with them all. Neither was there any among them that lacked. For as many as were possessors of lands or houses, sold them and brought the price of the things that were sold, read more.
and laid it down at the apostles' feet. And distribution was made unto every man according as he had need. And Joseph, which was also called of the apostles Barnabas - that is to say, the son of consolation - being a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus, had land, and sold it, and laid the price down at the apostles' feet.

I am glad of the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your part they have supplied.

And yet because I have lust to the house of my God, I have several gold and silver which I give to the house of my God above all I have prepared for the holy house: even three thousand talents of gold of Ophir, and seven thousand talents of silver tried:

And though I bestowed all my goods to feed the poor, and though I gave my body even that I burned, and yet had no love, it profiteth me nothing.

And the lords and all the people rejoiced and brought in and cast into the coffer until it was full.

for I know your readiness of mind, whereof I boast myself unto them of Macedonia, and say that Achaia was prepared a year ago, and your ferventness hath provoked many.

Ye know the liberality of our Lord Jesus Christ, which though he were rich, yet for your sakes became poor: that ye through his poverty might be made rich.

because that for the work of Christ he went so far, that he was nigh unto death, and regarded not his life, to fulfill that service which was lacking on your part toward me.

And the ancient lords and the lords of the tribes of Israel, and the captains of thousands and hundreds and the lords over the substance of the king, were willing and gave for the service of the house of God, five thousand talents of gold and ten thousand pieces of gold coins, and ten thousand talents of silver, and eighteen thousand talents of brass, and a hundred thousand talents of iron. And they that had precious stones gave them for the treasure of the house of the LORD, unto the hand of Jehiel the Gershonite. read more.
And the people rejoiced that they were so willing: for with a pure heart they were willing unto the LORD. And thereto David the king rejoiced with great gladness.

O LORD our God, all this heap that we have prepared to build thee a house for thy holy name, cometh of thine hand, and is all thine. I know my God, that thou provest the heart and hast pleasure in plainness. And in plainness of mine heart I have willingly given all this. And now I see thy people, which are here in gladness to offer willingly to thee.

and not so only, but is also chosen of the congregations to be a fellow with us in our journey, as concerning this benevolence that is ministered by us unto the praise of the Lord, and to stir up your prompt mind.

Of the ministering to the saints, it is but superfluous for me to write unto you: for I know your readiness of mind, whereof I boast myself unto them of Macedonia, and say that Achaia was prepared a year ago, and your ferventness hath provoked many. Nevertheless, yet have I sent these brethren, lest our rejoicing over you should be in vain in this behalf, and that ye - as I have said - prepare yourselves, read more.
lest peradventure if they of Macedonia come with me and find you unprepared, the boast that I made in this matter should be a shame to us: I say not unto you. Wherefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren, to come before hand unto you, for to prepare your good blessing promised afore, that it might be ready: so that it be a blessing, and not a defrauding. This yet remember, how that he which soweth little, shall reap little: and he that soweth plenteously shall reap plenteously. And let every man do according as he hath purposed in his heart, not grudgingly, or of necessity. For God loveth a cheerful giver. God is able to make you rich in all grace, that ye in all things having sufficient unto the utmost, may be rich unto all manner good works, as it is written, "He that dispersed abroad and hath given to the poor, his righteousness remaineth for ever." He that findeth the sower seed, shall minister bread for food, and shall multiply your seed, and increase the fruits of your righteousness - that on all parts ye may be made rich in all singleness, which causeth through us, thanksgiving unto God. For the office of this ministration, not only supplieth the need of the saints: but also is abundant herein, that for this laudable ministering, thanks might be given to God of many, which praise God for the obedience of your professing the gospel of Christ, and for your singleness, in distributing to them, and to all men.

And some of the chief fathers gave unto the treasure of the work, twenty thousand and two hundred pound of silver. And the other people gave twenty thousand drams, and two thousand pound of silver, and seven and three score priests' garments.

"'If thy brother be waxed poor and fallen in decay with thee, receive him as a stranger or a sojourner, and let him live by thee.

And they went - as many as their hearts couraged them and as many as their spirits made them willing - and brought heave offerings unto the LORD, to the making of the tabernacle of witness and for all his uses and for the holy vestments. And the men came with the women - even as many as were willing hearted - and brought bracelets, earrings, rings and girdles and all manner jewels of gold; and all the men that waved wave offerings of gold unto the LORD; and every man with whom was found jacinth, scarlet, purple, bysse or goats' hair or red skins of rams or taxus' skins, brought it. read more.
And all that hove up gold or brass, brought a heave offering unto the LORD. And all men with whom was found sethim-wood meet for any manner work or service, brought it. And all the women that were wise hearted to work with their hands, span; and brought the spun work, both of jacinth, scarlet, purple and bysse. And all the women that excelled in wisdom of heart, span the goats' hair. And the lords brought onyx stones and setstones for the ephod, and for the breastlap, and spice and oil: both for the lights and for the anointing oil and for the sweet cense. And the children of Israel brought willing offerings unto the LORD; both men and women, as many as their hearts made them willing to bring, for all manner works which the LORD had commanded to make by the hand of Moses.

Behold, I loose the binds from thy hands this day: if thou wilt now go with me unto Babylon, up then. For I will see to thee, and provide for thee: But if thou wilt not go with me to Babylon, then remain here. Behold, all the land is at thy will, look where thou thinkest convenient and good for thee to abide, there dwell. If thou canst not be content to dwell alone, then remain with Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan: whom the king of Babylon hath made governor over the cities of Judah, and dwell with him among the people, or remain wheresoever it pleaseth thee." So the chief Captain of the guard gave him his expenses with a reward, and let him go.

While we have, therefore, time; let us do good unto all men, and specially, unto them which are of the household of faith.

If thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink;

brought beds, basins, and earthen vessels: and also corn, barley, flour and parched corn, beans and rice,

He that giveth unto the poor, shall not want; but he that turneth away his eyes from such as be in necessity, shall suffer great poverty himself.

And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. And he called unto him his disciples, and said unto them, "Verily I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury. For they all did cast in of their superfluity: But she of her poverty, did cast in all that she had, even all her living."

Take heed to your alms, that ye give it not in the sight of men, to the intent that ye would be seen of them: or else ye get no reward of your father which is in heaven. Whensoever therefore thou givest thine alms, thou shalt not make a trumpet to be blown before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues, and in the streets, for to be praised of men. Verily I say unto you, they have their reward. But when thou doest thine alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:

Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, purposed to send succour unto the brethren which dwelt in Jewry, which thing they also did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.

And certain of the ancient fathers gave unto the work. Hathirsatha gave to the treasure a thousand drams, fifty basens, five hundred and thirty priests' garments.

What availeth it, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, when he hath no deeds? Can faith save him? If a brother or a sister be naked or destitute of daily food, and one of you say unto them, "Depart in peace, God send you warmness and food," notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body: what helpeth it them?

And Joseph, which was also called of the apostles Barnabas - that is to say, the son of consolation - being a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus, had land, and sold it, and laid the price down at the apostles' feet.

Give to him that asketh, and from him that would borrow, turn not away.

And Araunah said unto the king, "Let my lord the king take and offer what seemeth him good in his eyes: Behold, oxen for sacrifice, and sleds and the other instruments of the oxen for wood." And Araunah the king's friend gave all to the king, and said moreover unto the king, "The LORD thy God accept thee."

And as Joab fought against Rabbah, the city of the children of Ammon, he took the king's Tower, and sent messengers to David, saying, "I have made assault to Rabbah, and also have taken the castle from whence they had their water. Now therefore gather the rest of the people together, and come and besiege the city and take it: lest if I take it, the victory be ascribed to me."

And have not rather done it for fear of this: lest in time to come your children should say unto ours, 'What have ye to do with the LORD God of Israel?' Saying, 'That the LORD hath made Jordan a border between us and you, ye children of Ruben and of Gad: ye have no part therefore in the LORD.' And so shall your children make our children cease from fearing the LORD. And therefore we said, 'Let us cause an altar to be made, not for burnt offerings, nor sacrifices, read more.
but it shall be a witness between us and you and our generations after us, that we should serve the LORD, with our offerings, sacrifices and peace offerings: and that your children should not say to ours in time to come: ye have no part in the LORD.' And we thought if they should so say to us, or to our generations in time to come, that we would say again, 'Behold the fashion of the altar which our fathers made, neither for burnt offerings nor sacrifices, but that it should be a witness between us and you.' God forbid that we should rebel against the LORD and that we should turn this day from after him, and build an altar for burnt offerings nor sacrifices, save the altar of the LORD our God that is before his tabernacle."

and the captains of the host had dedicated of the spoil won in battle, to maintain the house of the LORD: and over all that Samuel the seer and Saul the son of Kish, and Abner the son of Ner, and Joab the son of Zeruiah had dedicated. All that was dedicated, was under the hand of Shelomoth and of his brethren.

I was an eye unto the blind, and a foot to the lame; I was a father unto the poor, and when I knew not their cause, I sought it out diligently.

For God is not unrighteous that he should forget your work and labour that proceedeth of love, which love showed in his name, which have ministered unto the saints, and yet minister.

And the men came with the women - even as many as were willing hearted - and brought bracelets, earrings, rings and girdles and all manner jewels of gold; and all the men that waved wave offerings of gold unto the LORD;

Let him that teacheth take heed to his doctrine; Let him that exhorteth give attendance to his exhortation; If any man give, let him do it with singleness; Let him that ruleth do it with diligence; If any man show mercy let him do it with cheerfulness.

and spake unto Moses saying, "The people bring too much, and above that is enough to serve for the work which the LORD hath commanded to make."

Yea, and to break the bread to the hungry; and to bring the poor that are harborless unto house; and when thou seest a naked, that thou clothe him and that thou shouldest withdraw thyself from helping thine own flesh?

take your father and your households and come unto me, and I will give you the best of the land of Egypt, and ye shall eat the fat of the land.'" And commanded also, "This do ye: take chariots with you out of the land of Egypt, for your children and for your wives: and bring your father and come. Also, regard not your stuff, for the goods of all the land of Egypt shall be yours."

Then a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came nigh unto him: and when he saw him, had compassion on him, and went to him, and bound up his wounds, and poured in wine, and oil, and put him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and made provision for him. And on the morrow, when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host and said unto him, 'Take care of him, and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again I will recompense thee.'

then the princes of Israel, heads over the houses of their fathers which were the lords of the tribes that stood and numbered,

He, then, that hath the substance of the world, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his compassion from him: how dwelleth the love of God in him?

offered and brought their gifts before the LORD: six covered chariots and twelve oxen, two and two a chariot and an ox every man, and they brought them before the habitation.

As he beheld, he saw the rich men, how they cast in their offerings into the treasury. And he saw also a certain poor widow, which cast in thither two mites. And he said, "Of a truth I say unto you, this poor widow hath put in more than they all. read more.
For they all have of their superfluity added unto the offering of God: But she, of her penury, hath cast in all the substance that she had."

and spake unto Moses saying, "The people bring too much, and above that is enough to serve for the work which the LORD hath commanded to make."

When she was baptised, and her household, she besought us saying, "If ye think that I believe on the Lord come into my house, and abide there." And she constrained us.

Sell that ye have, and give alms. And make you bags, which wax not old, and treasure that faileth not in heaven, where no thief cometh, neither moth corrupteth.

Let them work in the house of God, that the captain of the Jews and their Elders may build the house of God in his place. I have commanded also, what shall be done to the Elders of Judah for the building of the house of God, that there shall diligently be taken of the king's goods, even of the rents beyond the water, and given unto the men, and that they be not hindered. And if they have need of calves, lambs, or goats, for the burnt offering unto the God of heaven, wheat, salt, wine and oil, after the custom of the priests at Jerusalem, there shall be given them daily as is according: and see that this be done without fault, read more.
that they may offer sweet savours unto the God of heaven; and pray for the king's life, and for his children. This commandment have I given. And what man soever he be that altereth these words, there shall a beam be taken from his house, and set up, and he shall be hanged thereon, and his house shall be made a dunghill for the deed. But the God that dwelleth in heaven, destroy all kings and people that put to their hand to alter and to break down the house of God at Jerusalem. I, Darius, have commanded, that this be diligently done."

Ye know well that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.

And she gave the king a hundred and twenty talents of gold, and of sweet odours exceeding much, and precious stones. There came never after such abundance of sweet odors as the Queen of Sheba gave to king Solomon.

And he went back again from after him, and took a yoke of oxen and slew them, and dressed the flesh with the instruments of the oxen and gave it the people, and they did eat. And then he arose and went after Elijah and ministered unto him.

And he brought in that which his father had dedicated, and the things dedicated unto the house of the LORD; silver, gold, and jewels.

And sold their possessions and goods, and departed them to all men, as every man had need.

And he saw also a certain poor widow, which cast in thither two mites. And he said, "Of a truth I say unto you, this poor widow hath put in more than they all. For they all have of their superfluity added unto the offering of God: But she, of her penury, hath cast in all the substance that she had."

But Jehoash king of Judah took all the dedicated things that Jehoshaphat, Jehoram and Ahaziah his fathers, kings of Judah, had dedicated, and that he himself had dedicated, and all the gold that could be found in the treasure of the house of the LORD and of the king's house, and sent it to Hazael king of Syria: and so he departed from Jerusalem.

And he made an altar unto the LORD and sacrificed thereon peace offerings and thank offerings, and charged Judah to serve the LORD God of Israel.

There was at Joppa a certain woman, which was a disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: the same was full of good works and alms deeds, which she did.

And thereto pull out of the sheaves for her and let it lie, that she may gather it up, and rebuke her not."

and they did us great honour. And when we departed, they laded us with things necessary.

Then said the king of Sodom unto Abram, "Give me the souls, and take the goods to thyself."

And also certain women, which were healed of evil spirits, and infirmities: Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils, and Joanna the wife of Chuzaa, Herod's steward; And Susanna; And many others: which ministered unto them of their substance.

And they came to Jesus and besought him instantly, saying, "He is worthy that thou shouldest do this for him. For he loveth our nation, and hath built us a synagogue."

that your abundance succor their lack at this present time of dearth - that their abundance may supply your lack; that there may be equality,

Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, purposed to send succour unto the brethren which dwelt in Jewry,

I received all, and have plenty. I was even filled after that I have received of Epaphroditus, that which came from you, an odor that smelleth sweet, a sacrifice accepted and pleasant to God.

and Joanna the wife of Chuzaa, Herod's steward; And Susanna; And many others: which ministered unto them of their substance.

and this stone which I have set up on end, shall be God's house. And of all that thou shalt give me, will I give the tenth unto thee."

and went into the house, and found the child with Mary his mother, and knelt down, and worshipped him: and opened their treasures, and offered unto him gifts; gold, frankincense and myrrh.

She openeth her hand to the poor, yea she stretcheth forth her hands to such as have need

Then took Mary a pound of ointment called nard, perfect and precious, and anointed Jesus' feet, and wiped his feet with her hair, and all the house was filled of the savour of the ointment.

And all the women that were wise hearted to work with their hands, span; and brought the spun work, both of jacinth, scarlet, purple and bysse.

Peter arose and came with them: And when he was come, they brought him into the chamber, and all the widows stood round about him weeping and showing the coats and garments which Dorcas made while she was with them.

And also certain women, which were healed of evil spirits, and infirmities: Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils, and Joanna the wife of Chuzaa, Herod's steward; And Susanna; And many others: which ministered unto them of their substance.

She openeth her hand to the poor, yea she stretcheth forth her hands to such as have need

Then took Mary a pound of ointment called nard, perfect and precious, and anointed Jesus' feet, and wiped his feet with her hair, and all the house was filled of the savour of the ointment.

And all the women that were wise hearted to work with their hands, span; and brought the spun work, both of jacinth, scarlet, purple and bysse.

Peter arose and came with them: And when he was come, they brought him into the chamber, and all the widows stood round about him weeping and showing the coats and garments which Dorcas made while she was with them.

And also certain women, which were healed of evil spirits, and infirmities: Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils, and Joanna the wife of Chuzaa, Herod's steward; And Susanna; And many others: which ministered unto them of their substance.