There are those who give little of the much they have – and they give it for recognition, and their hidden desire makes their gift unwholesome.

And there are those who have little and give it all. These are the believers in life and the bounty of life and their coffers are never empty.

There are those who give in joy and their joy is their reward.

It is well to give when asked, but it is better to give unasked, through understanding; and to the openhanded the search for one who shall receive, is joy greater than giving.

And is there aught you would withhold? All you have shall one day be given; therefore give now, that the season of giving is yours and not your inheritors’.

You often say, 'I would give, but only to the deserving.’ The trees in your orchard say not so, nor the flocks in your pasture. They give that they may live, for to withhold is to perish.