On Giving

There are among men those who give a little of the much they have—and they give it for the sake of fame, and their hidden desire for vain renown spoils the benefit of their gifts.

And there are those who possess little and give it all.

And there are the believers in life and in the bounty of life; the chests of these are never empty, and their coffers remain full forever.

And there are among men those who give with joy, and their joy is their reward.

And there are those who give with pain, and their pain is their baptism.

And there are those who give and know no meaning of pain in their giving; they ask for no joy, nor do they wish to broadcast their virtues. These give of what they have as the myrtle gives its fragrant perfume in yonder valley.

Through the hands of such as these God speaks, and through their eyes He smiles upon the earth.

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It is beautiful to give to him who asks of you what he needs;

but more beautiful still is to give to him who does not ask, when you know his need. For he who opens his hands and his heart to give finds, in seeking out the one who will receive his gifts and in finding his way to him, a joy greater than the giving itself.

And is there anything in your wealth that you can keep back for yourself?

For all that you possess today will without doubt be scattered one day;

therefore give of it now, that the season of giving may be one of the seasons of your own life, and not your heirs'.

From The Prophet