{"id":9515,"date":"2022-09-25T18:01:08","date_gmt":"2022-09-25T18:01:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/english-grammar-lessons.com\/?p=9515"},"modified":"2022-09-25T18:01:08","modified_gmt":"2022-09-25T18:01:08","slug":"it-is-better-to-give-than-to-receive-meaning","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/english-grammar-lessons.com\/it-is-better-to-give-than-to-receive-meaning\/","title":{"rendered":"It Is Better To Give Than To Receive \u2013 Meaning, Origin and Usage"},"content":{"rendered":"

Giving to others is a charitable act that can make life easier. While some acts of charity may have instant rewards, others are one-sided. If you are looking for a way to convince yourself or others of the benefits of charity, one phrase comes to mind. The phrase it is better to give than receive is a great way to get your mind and heart into a giving mode. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.<\/p>\n

Meaning<\/h2>\n

The phrase it is better to give than to receive means that instead of gaining, it is better to share. For those who have a lot of wealth or just those who are doing better than others, giving to others is said to be a blessing. The point of the phrase is to encourage charity in action and in spirit. The phrase may have biblical roots, but it is applied to daily life in many regards.<\/strong><\/p>\n

To say it is better to give than to receive also means that you should help others who are less capable. Helping those in need who can\u2019t help themselves is a form of charity that has no financial rewards. You can also use the phrase it is better to give than to receive when it comes to giving your time or your emotions. Teaching others, giving a shoulder to cry on, or even spending your time with the sick are all forms of giving.<\/p>\n

Example Usage<\/h2>\n

\u201cGetting gifts is nice, but it\u2019s not a requirement, it is better to give than to receive in my opinion\u201d.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou should always teach children that it is better to give than to receive so that they remain humble\u201d.<\/p>\n

\u201cMost kind people believe that it is better to give than to receive\u201d.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy motto has always been that it is better to give than to receive, it helps me to stay kind\u201d.<\/p>\n

Origin<\/h2>\n

The phrase it is better to give than to receive has biblical origins. The phrase is said to have come from the teaching of Jesus and was spread by his apostle, Paul. The King James Version of the Bible lists the phrase in Acts 20:35. \u201cI have shewed you all things, how that so laboring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive\u201d.<\/p>\n

The phrase also exists in different forms in other languages and religions. Most mainstream religious texts have some form of the phrase it is better to give than to receive, though each has slightly different origins. The meanings remain the same regardless of where they are found in time or history.<\/p>\n