¹⁷ The Israelites did this, some gathering more, others less. ^18 (A)When they measured it, those who gathered much did not have too much, and those who gathered less did not have too little. Each had gathered just what he needed.

¹¹ On with it, then, and finish the job! Be as eager to finish it as you were to plan it, and do it with what you now have. ¹² If you are eager to give, God will accept your gift on the basis of what you have to give, not on what you don't have.

^13-14 I am not trying to relieve others by putting a burden on you; but since you have plenty at this time, it is only fair that you should help those who are in need. Then, when you are in need and they have plenty, they will help you. In this way both are treated equally. ^15 (A)As the scripture says, “The one who gathered much did not have too much, and the one who gathered little did not have too little.”