That gift is said (to be) good, which is given, because it ought to be given, to one who (can) do no service (in return), at a (proper) place and time, an d to a (proper) person.
दातव्यमिति यद्दानं दीयतेऽनुपकारिणे। देशे काले च पात्रे च तद्दानं सात्त्विकं स्मृतम्॥
He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; For he giveth of his bread to the poor.
Giving and righteous conduct, kindness to relatives, blameless deeds: this is the highest blessing.
By doing service he acquires the Karman which brings about for him the nâman and gôtra of a Tîrthakara.
He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.
Kind words and the covering of faults are better than charity followed by injury. Allah is free of all wants, and He is Most-Forbearing.
In the midst of this world, do seva, and you shall be given a place of honor in the Court of the Lord. Says Nanak, swing your arms in joy!
… Yu Zo answered, "If the people have plenty, their prince will not be left to want alone. If the people are in want, their prince cannot enjoy plenty alone."
Give now of thy gold and bounty, for eventually will it pass from thy grasp. Open the door of thy treasure to-day, for to-morrow the key will not be in thy hands. If thou would not be distressed on the Day of Judgment, forget not them that are distressed. Drive not the poor man empty from thy door, lest thou should wander before the doors of strangers. …