Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 2 Corinthians 9:6

"But this [I say,] He that soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he that soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully." — 2 Corinthians 9:6 (ASV)

To emphasize the rewards of generous giving (v.5), Paul cites what appears to be a proverb (v.6): “scanty sowing, scanty harvest; plentiful sowing, plentiful harvest.” No exact parallel to this maxim is extant, though a similar sentiment is expressed in several places (e.g., Proverbs 11:24–25; 19:17; 22:8–9; Galatians 6:7). The image of the harvest naturally suggests the freedom of the sower to plant as much seed as he chooses—whether “sparingly” or “generously.” Similarly, each person is responsible first to decide “in his heart” what he should give (cf. Acts 11:29; 1 Corinthians 16:2) and then to give what he has decided (v.7). Giving should result from inward resolve, not from impulsive or casual decision. Once the amount to be given has been determined, says Paul, the gift should be given cheerfully, since a cheerful giver always receives God’s approval (cf. Proverbs 22:8 in LXX).