He Giveth Twice That Giveth Quickly

There is an old proverb which reads: “He giveth twice that giveth quickly.” This is another way of saying that the best time to give is when the gift is needed. Urgent and acute needs do not wait upon the pleasure or convenience of the giver. Usually when a man needs something, he needs it now. When he needs food for his family, he needs it when they are hungry, not after they are well fed or after they have starved. When he is cold, he needs warmth now not after spring thaws him out. And this is true not only of material gifts, but also of service and kindliness and understanding, which are among the greatest of gifts. When a person is ill, he needs the attention of capable and considerate hands right now, not next week or next year, or after his recovery, or after it is too late. When a man is worried and despondent, he needs understanding and counsel and strength when he needs them. And if we are too busy to give him these things when he is in the depths of despair, later may be too late. When someone has been bereaved, it is often our earnest intention to carry comfort to him. But if we wait to do so at our own convenience, he may have fought his fight bitterly and alone. A man in sorrow needs comfort when grief is acute. When people are hard pressed in any way, when their need is sorely upon them, is when generosity should be in evidence and not merely when convention or convenience is best served. There is an element of time in all human wants and needs. And there is no use giving a boy a balloon after he is past the age when he wants a balloon. Giving should not be indiscriminate nor over-indulgent. And especially should it not be overdone as to non-essentials, for which people often place an undue burden upon themselves. But, “he giveth twice that giveth quickly.” He gives twice who gives what is needed when it is needed.