⁷ So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, ^(A)not grudgingly or of ^[a]necessity; for ^(B)God loves a cheerful giver.

¹² For ^(A)if there is first a willing mind, it is accepted according to what one has, and not according to what he does not have.

³⁵ I have shown you in every way, ^(A)by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”

¹⁷ I know also, my God, that You ^(A)test the heart and ^(B)have pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of my heart I have willingly offered all these things; and now with joy I have seen Your people, who are present here to offer willingly to You.

² “Speak to the children of Israel, that they bring Me an ^[a]offering. ^(A)From everyone who gives it willingly with his heart you shall take My offering.

Generosity to the Poor

⁷ “If there is among you a poor man of your brethren, within any of the ^[a]gates in your land which the Lord your God is giving you, ^(A)you shall not harden your heart nor shut your hand from your poor brother, ⁸ but ^(B)you shall ^[b]open your hand wide to him and willingly lend him sufficient for his need, whatever he needs. ⁹ Beware lest there be a wicked thought in your heart, saying, ‘The seventh year, the year of release, is at hand,’ and your ^(C)eye be evil against your poor brother and you give him nothing, and ^(D)he cry out to the Lord against you, and ^(E)it become sin among you. ¹⁰ You shall surely give to him, and ^(F)your heart should not be grieved when you give to him, because ^(G)for this thing the Lord your God will bless you in all your works and in all to which you put your hand. ¹¹ For ^(H)the poor will never cease from the land; therefore I command you, saying, ‘You shall ^[c]open your hand wide to your brother, to your poor and your needy, in your land.’

^8 (A)he who exhorts, in exhortation; ^(B)he who gives, with liberality; ^(C)he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, ^(D)with cheerfulness.