Can giving money away really help you build wealth?

Dear Chuck,

I’ve heard you say that giving can help build wealth. That seems contradictory when we’re trying to cover expenses and prepare for the future. Can you explain what you mean and how we can practice this wisely?

Want to Give More

Dear Want to Give More,

My statement that “generosity helps build wealth” is intended to challenge how the world defines wealth. Most people believe wealth requires accumulating as much money as possible. Scripture offers a different perspective: financial stability, contentment, meaningful relationships, and the freedom to serve where God directs.

“Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered” (Proverbs 11:25 ESV).

Scripture doesn’t promise that giving away money will make us financially rich. Rather, it reminds us that generosity produces blessings that extend beyond bank accounts. So, I am not promoting the prosperity gospel; I am promoting the Gospel of true generosity motivated by love.

Research increasingly supports what Scripture teaches: generosity enriches the giver.

According to Giving USA, Americans contributed a record $167.2 billion to charitable causes in 2025, a 5.7% increase from the previous year. Individuals accounted for $394.2 billion.

But generosity's benefits extend beyond those receiving assistance.

Multiple studies have found that spending money on others consistently increases happiness for a reason called prosocial spending. 

Psychologists suggest that generosity strengthens relationships, creates a sense of purpose, and redirects attention from personal wants toward the needs of others. Giving is rewarding when voluntary, relational, and meaningful. It can transform our relationship with money, for it challenges greed, encourages contentment, and reminds us that money is a tool rather than our ultimate security.

We are blessed to be generous

Jesus said in Acts 20:35, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (NIV). The blessing isn’t necessarily a larger bank account. It’s the freedom to experience joy without depending on possessions.

2 Corinthians 9:7 encourages us to give willingly and cheerfully. Here are some practical ways to develop that habit:

1. Make generosity part of your budget. Determine the amount you can consistently give while meeting essential obligations. Increase as circumstances allow.
2. Give intentionally to your church, trusted ministries, and individuals facing genuine need. Consider how your contributions can produce lasting benefits.
3. Practice giving time, professional skills, and encouragement. Exercise hospitality. Some of the most valuable gifts cost very little.
4. Be disciplined with your finances. Don’t borrow to give or neglect your family’s needs.
5. Involving family members teaches children to share, give, and recognize the needs of others. It can shape their attitude toward wealth for a lifetime.

Build the kind of wealth that lasts

In Matthew 6:19–21, Jesus encourages us to store up treasures in Heaven rather than in earthly possessions. Generosity helps us invest in what lasts beyond our lifetime. We may never know how a donation, encouraging word, or sacrificial gift changes another person’s future. But God sees every act of faithful stewardship.

Building wealth through becoming more generous isn’t a formula for becoming rich. It’s a way of becoming rich in what matters most: faith, contentment, relationships, and eternal rewards.

Paul instructed Timothy to instruct us to be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share. That is wealth worth pursuing!

When giving becomes an automatic practice (as Jesus assumed in His Sermon on the Mount), people have to exercise self-discipline in order to set aside funds. “When you give to the needy … your Father who sees in secret will reward you” (Matthew 6:1–4 ESV). That discipline can overflow into other areas or your financial life, like building an emergency fund, saving, investing, and the avoidance of lifestyle creep.

Following God’s financial principles enables you to wisely manage all He provides. If generosity is not on your radar, acknowledge that it is a principle dear to God’s heart. He provides for us so we can reap the blessings of spreading the Gospel, helping those facing hardship, and pouring into the lives of others. What we give goes into an eternal bank account. Learn to sacrifice worldly pleasures so you can invest in everlasting ones.  

Here’s an extra resource: Best Practices for Charitable Giving.

If credit card debt is preventing you from being as generous as you would like, Christian Credit Counselors can help. As a trusted Crown partner, they provide personalized debt management plans designed to reduce debt, lower financial stress, and help regain control of one’s finances.