³⁰ Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back.^(A)

⁷ If anyone is poor^(A) among your fellow Israelites in any of the towns of the land the Lord your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted^(B) toward them. ⁸ Rather, be openhanded^(C) and freely lend them whatever they need. ⁹ Be careful not to harbor this wicked thought: “The seventh year, the year for canceling debts,^(D) is near,” so that you do not show ill will^(E) toward the needy among your fellow Israelites and give them nothing. They may then appeal to the Lord against you, and you will be found guilty of sin.^{(F) 10} Give generously to them and do so without a grudging heart;^(G) then because of this the Lord your God will bless^(H) you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to.

Generosity Encouraged

⁶ Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.^{(A) 7} Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give,^(B) not reluctantly or under compulsion,^(C) for God loves a cheerful giver.^{(D) 8} And God is able^(E) to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need,^(F) you will abound in every good work. ⁹ As it is written:

¹⁰ Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food^(I) will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.^{(J) 11} You will be enriched^(K) in every way so that you can be generous^(L) on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.^(M)

¹² This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs^(N) of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.^{(O) 13} Because of the service^(P) by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God^(Q) for the obedience that accompanies your confession^(R) of the gospel of Christ,^(S) and for your generosity^(T) in sharing with them and with everyone else. ¹⁴ And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you.

⁹ For you know the grace^(A) of our Lord Jesus Christ,^(B) that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor,^(C) so that you through his poverty might become rich.^(D)