"A gift in season is a double favor to the needy"
About this Quote
Timing can enhance the value of generosity far beyond the mere act itself. When assistance, whether material or emotional, is rendered at a moment of real need, its impact is amplified. A present given at an appropriate time does more than satisfy an immediate lack; it acknowledges the recipient’s struggle and offers relief exactly when hope or comfort is waning. Such attentiveness elevates charity from a simple transaction to a profound connection between giver and receiver.
Giving to someone in distress may be remembered forever, not just for meeting a tangible need but also for the reassurance it provides. It says, “You are seen; your difficulties are not invisible.” The psychological and emotional support intertwined in such gestures is as important as the practical aid. Therefore, an outstretched hand in someone’s darkest hour can feel doubly precious, restoring faith or even inspiring the recipient to help others in their turn.
Further, timing reflects sensitivity and empathy. When the giver pays attention to circumstance, it displays genuine care rather than mere obligation. The gesture transcends routine kindness, communicating an understanding of urgency and significance. An example can be as simple as offering warmth to someone in cold, or as profound as comforting words during grief. Both scenarios demonstrate how time-sensitive generosity is inherently more meaningful.
Moreover, for the needy, a well-timed gift can spur transformation. The right help may provide the strength required to overcome adversity, influencing the trajectory of that person’s life. Assistance delivered out of season might still be welcomed, but its power and poignancy are often diminished. Consequently, thoughtful generosity at the moment of greatest need becomes not only a physical lifeline, but also a moral support, doubling the favor received.
More details
Source | Publilius Syrus, Sententiae (1st century BC). English translation attested: "A gift in season is a double favor to the needy." See Wikiquote (Publilius Syrus). |
Tags | Gift |
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