משלי, פרק כ״ח, פסוק כ״ז

The dynamic between generosity and stinginess operates outside of standard economic logic, guided instead by divine providence. Giving to others does not subtract from a person's wealth. When someone provides charity to the poor [רש״י, ביאור שטיינזלץ], their own resources will not decrease as a result of distributing their money [מצודת דוד, מלבי״ם]. The primary approach among commentators is that this happens because God personally intervenes. He blesses the giver, provides for all of the person's needs, and views the act of charity as a direct loan made to Him [אבן עזרא, רלב״ג, עמנואל הרומי]. Embracing this reality requires placing trust in the wisdom of the Torah rather than relying on standard human reasoning [אלשיך]. Naturally, human instinct drives a person to hold tightly to their money out of fear that they will run out. Yet, reality proves that the act of giving is precisely what secures and increases wealth.

Conversely, turning away from the distress of others leads directly to loss. A person might hide their eyes, pretending not to notice a poor person in order to escape the obligation to help [ביאור שטיינזלץ, מצודת דוד]. However, someone who withholds their money out of a fear of losing it will discover that they not only lose out on blessings but also bring many curses upon themselves [מצודת ציון]. Ultimately, the miser's wealth will go to waste as a direct, measure-for-measure punishment for their stinginess [רלב״ג, מצודת דוד, מלבי״ם].

Beyond financial wealth, this principle applies deeply to the spiritual and mental aspects of life. The concept of generous giving extends to a teacher who ensures they do not withhold Torah knowledge from a student [רש״י]. On a deeper allegorical level, the idea of the poor person represents the intellectual and spiritual side of the human soul, which is frequently neglected in favor of physical cravings [עמנואל הרומי]. Providing for this inner poverty means actively acquiring wisdom and moral discipline. While this might require cutting back on physical pleasures, it is never considered a true loss, as material needs are not the primary purpose of life. On the other hand, someone who ignores their intellect and becomes enslaved to physical desires starves their own soul, bringing upon themselves profound spiritual lack and hardship.