35 Bible Verses About Charitable Giving Strategies

The appeal letters pile up on your kitchen counter, each one presenting compelling needs and worthy causes that tug at your heart. You want to be generous and make a meaningful difference, but you’re paralyzed by questions about how much to give, which organizations deserve support, and whether your modest contributions actually matter. Perhaps you’ve been burned by charities that misused funds, or you’re struggling to balance your desire to give with your own financial responsibilities and family needs.

Charitable giving raises profound questions about stewardship, wisdom, and the heart behind our generosity. Scripture offers remarkable guidance for developing strategic approaches to giving that maximize impact while protecting your financial stability. The Bible addresses everything from the amount we should give to the attitude behind our donations, from supporting local needs to caring for distant causes, from planned giving strategies to spontaneous acts of generosity.

These verses provide biblical wisdom for creating sustainable giving plans that honor God, bless others effectively, and bring joy rather than guilt or financial strain to your giving journey.

Bible Verses About Charitable Giving Strategies

1. 2 Corinthians 9:7 – Each of You Should Give What You Have Decided

Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

New International Version (NIV)

2. Luke 6:38 – Give, and It Will Be Given to You

Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.

English Standard Version (ESV)

3. Malachi 3:10 – Bring the Whole Tithe Into the Storehouse

Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and try Me now in this,” says the Lord of hosts, “If I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it.

New King James Version (NKJV)

4. 1 Timothy 6:18-19 – Command Them to Do Good

Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life.

New Living Translation (NLT)

5. Proverbs 11:24-25 – One Person Gives Freely

One person gives freely, yet gains more; another withholds what is right, only to become poor. A generous person will prosper, and the one who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.

Christian Standard Bible (CSB)

6. Matthew 6:1-4 – Be Careful Not to Practice Your Righteousness

Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of people, to be seen by them; otherwise you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. So when you give to the poor, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be honored by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. But when you give to the poor, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving will be in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

7. 2 Corinthians 8:12 – For If the Willingness Is There

For if the eagerness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has—not according to what one does not have.

New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

8. Proverbs 19:17 – Whoever Is Kind to the Poor

The one who is gracious to the poor lends to the Lord, and the Lord will fully repay him for his good deed.

The Message (MSG)

9. 1 John 3:17 – If Anyone Has Material Possessions

But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?

Amplified Bible (AMP)

10. Acts 20:35 – It Is More Blessed to Give Than to Receive

In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’

New English Translation (NET)

11. Deuteronomy 15:10-11 – Give Generously to Them

You must give to him, and you must not have a stingy heart when you give to him. For because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you do. For there will never cease to be poor people in the land; therefore, I am commanding you, ‘You must willingly open your hand to your afflicted and poor brother in your land.’

Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

12. Matthew 25:35-40 – For I Was Hungry and You Gave Me Something to Eat

I was hungry and you gave me something to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink. I was a stranger and you welcomed me. I was naked and you gave me something to wear. I was sick and you took care of me. I was in prison and you visited me. Then the ones who pleased the Lord will ask, “When did we give you something to eat or drink? When did we welcome you as a stranger or give you clothes to wear or visit you while you were sick or in jail?” The king will answer, “Whenever you did it for any of my people, no matter how unimportant they seemed, you did it for me.”

Contemporary English Version (CEV)

13. James 2:15-17 – Suppose a Brother or Sister Is Without Clothes

Suppose there are brothers or sisters who need clothes and don’t have enough to eat. What good is there in your saying to them, “God bless you! Keep warm and eat well!”—if you don’t give them the necessities of life? So it is with faith: if it is alone and includes no actions, then it is dead.

Good News Translation (GNT)

14. 1 Corinthians 16:2 – On the First Day of Every Week

On the first day of every week, each one of you should put aside money as you have been blessed. Save it up so that you will not have to collect money when I come.

New Century Version (NCV)

15. 2 Corinthians 9:6 – Whoever Sows Generously Will Also Reap Generously

Remember this: The person who plants a little will have a small harvest, but the person who plants a lot will have a big harvest.

International Standard Version (ISV)

16. Luke 12:33-34 – Sell Your Possessions and Give to the Poor

Sell your possessions and give to charity; make yourselves money belts which do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near nor moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Tree of Life Version (TLV)

17. Hebrews 13:16 – Do Not Forget to Do Good and to Share

But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

Lexham English Bible (LEB)

18. Proverbs 3:27 – Do Not Withhold Good from Those to Whom It Is Due

Don’t withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to help them.

World English Bible (WEB)

19. Isaiah 58:10 – If You Spend Yourselves on Behalf of the Hungry

and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.

American Standard Version (ASV)

20. Matthew 19:21 – If You Want to Be Perfect

Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.”

Revised Standard Version (RSV)

21. Galatians 6:10 – Therefore, as We Have Opportunity

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

New American Bible (NAB)

22. Ecclesiastes 11:1 – Ship Your Grain Across the Sea

Ship your grain across the sea. After many days you may receive a return.

New International Reader’s Version (NIrV)

23. Luke 14:12-14 – When You Give a Luncheon or Dinner

Then Jesus said to his host, “When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”

Easy-to-Read Version (ERV)

24. 2 Corinthians 8:2-4 – In the Midst of a Very Severe Trial

They have been tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they have also been filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity. I can testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people.

God’s Word Translation (GWT)

25. 1 Chronicles 29:9 – The People Rejoiced at the Willing Response

The people were overjoyed at their leaders’ enthusiasm, for they had given willingly and wholeheartedly to Adonai; and King David too was very happy.

Complete Jewish Bible (CJB)

26. Mark 12:41-44 – The Widow’s Offering

Jesus sat down opposite the place where people put their gifts into the Temple treasury, and watched the multitude putting money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large amounts, but a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, worth about a penny. Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I tell you, this poor widow has given more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. For they all gave out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has given everything she had, all she had to live on.”

The Living Bible (TLB)

27. Proverbs 22:9 – The Generous Will Themselves Be Blessed

A generous person will be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.

The Passion Translation (TPT)

28. Romans 12:8 – If Your Gift Is to Encourage Others

If your gift is encouragement, then encourage others. If your gift is giving, then give generously. If your gift is leadership, then lead diligently. If your gift is showing mercy, then be cheerful as you do it.

The Voice Bible (VOICE)

29. 2 Corinthians 9:10-11 – Now He Who Supplies Seed to the Sower

Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.

New International Version (NIV)

30. Philippians 4:17 – Not That I Desire Your Gifts

Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit.

English Standard Version (ESV)

31. 1 Timothy 6:17 – Command Those Who Are Rich

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.

New King James Version (NKJV)

32. Acts 2:44-47 – All the Believers Were Together

And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity—all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people.

New Living Translation (NLT)

33. Matthew 6:19-21 – Do Not Store Up for Yourselves Treasures on Earth

Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.

Christian Standard Bible (CSB)

34. Ecclesiastes 5:10 – Whoever Loves Money Never Has Enough

He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves abundance with its income. This too is vanity.

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

35. Romans 15:26-27 – For Macedonia and Achaia Were Pleased

For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem. They were pleased to do this, and indeed they are in debt to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in their spiritual blessings, they are obligated to minister to them also in material blessings.

New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

Our Thoughts On What the Bible Says About Charitable Giving Strategies

Scripture presents charitable giving as both a spiritual discipline and a strategic opportunity to participate in God’s work on earth. The Bible consistently teaches that generous giving should be planned, purposeful, and joyful rather than impulsive or guilt-driven. Biblical giving strategies emphasize regular, systematic generosity that reflects our income and season of life, while maintaining flexibility for responding to emergencies and urgent needs, and special opportunities to make a difference.

What strikes me about biblical giving principles is how they balance wisdom with generosity. The verses about cheerful giving and not giving under compulsion suggest that healthy charitable strategies should bring joy rather than financial stress. Scripture also teaches proportional giving that recognizes different financial capacities while challenging everyone to participate in caring for others. The widow’s mite shows that the amount matters less than the heart and sacrifice behind the gift.

Biblical giving strategies also emphasize accountability and stewardship in choosing recipients for our generosity. Scripture teaches us to prioritize local needs, support gospel ministry, and care for the genuinely needy while avoiding enabling destructive behaviors. The Bible encourages both spontaneous acts of compassion and planned, systematic approaches to giving that maximize our impact and ensure sustainable generosity throughout our lives.

Say This Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the privilege of participating in Your work through charitable giving. Help me develop a generous heart that reflects Your character and a wise mind that gives strategically and effectively. Show me how to balance my desire to help others with my responsibilities to my family and my own financial stability.

Give me discernment to choose worthy organizations and causes that align with Your values and truly help people in need. Protect me from guilt-driven giving that comes from manipulation rather than genuine compassion, and help me give cheerfully from a grateful heart rather than reluctantly from obligation.

Guide me in setting aside regular amounts for charitable giving so that I can respond promptly when You show me opportunities to make a difference. Help me see my giving not as a burden but as an investment in Your kingdom and a way to store up treasures in heaven.

Use my charitable giving to bless others, advance Your gospel, and demonstrate Your love to a hurting world. May my generosity point others to You and encourage them to join in caring for those in need.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.