For ifthe readinessis present,it is acceptableaccordingto what [a person] has,not accordingto what he does not have.
Each one[must do] justas he has purposedin his heart,not grudginglyorundercompulsion,for Godlovesa cheerfulgiver.
The Israelites,allthe menand women,whoseheartmovedthem to bring[material] for allthe work,whichthe LORDhad commandedthroughMosesto be done,broughta freewillofferingto the LORD.
As each onehas receiveda [special] gift,employ it in servingone anotheras goodstewardsof the manifoldgraceof God.
Takefrom among you a contributionto the LORD;whoeveris of a willingheart,let him bringit as the LORD'Scontribution:gold,silver,and bronze,
"Tellthe sonsof Israelto raisea contributionfor Me; from everymanwhoseheartmoveshim you shall raiseMy contribution.
"He who is faithfulin a verylittle thingis faithfulalsoin much;and he who is unrighteousin a very little thingis unrighteousalsoin much.
Whatis desirablein a manis his kindness,And [it is] betterto be a poorman thana liar.
"But the LORDsaidto my fatherDavid,'Becauseit was in your heartto builda housefor My name,you didwellthat it was in your heart.
But nowfinishdoingit also,sothat justas [there was] the readinessto desireit, so[there] [may be] alsothe completionof it by your ability.
For [this] is not for the easeof others[and] for your affliction,but by wayof equality--
and not only[this], but he has alsobeen appointedby the churchesto travelwith us in thisgracious work,which is being administeredby us for the gloryof the LordHimself,and [to show] our readiness,
Everyonewho could makea contributionof silverand bronzebroughtthe LORD'Scontribution;and everyman whohadin his possessionacaciawoodfor anyworkof the servicebroughtit.
"In the same mannerthe one who [had received] the two[talents] gainedtwomore.
"Alsothe onewho[had received] the twotalentscameup and said,'Master,you entrustedtwotalentsto me. See,I have gainedtwomoretalents.'
