S13. The Paradox of Generosity

Theoretically, be generous is something that costs you something. The net balance is negative. But that is not what studies have shown. A study of two thousand Americans in 2010 on generosity by Christian Smith and Hilary Davidson was published as The Paradox of Generosity.

The empirical evidence, both in quantitative and qualitative results showed that generosity is paradoxical. “Those who give their resources away, receive back in turn. In offering our time, money, and energy in service of others’ well-being, we enhance our own well-being as well ... while a tight grip on things and resources, dimishes this sense of well-being.”

Proverbs 11:24 NIV

“One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.”

“There is an interesting relationship between money and happiness. So, while the old adage of “Money cannot buy happiness,” still holds true, giving money away actually does bring happiness.”

ARE YOU SURE ... that modern studies are disproving the wisdom of the Bible?