You asked

how do new testament teachings on generosity, like 2 corinthians 9, echo or transform this proverbs passage?

Adds the setting and its conversation across both testaments.

Proverbs 11:24-25

“There is one who scatters, and increases yet more. There is one who withholds more than is appropriate, but only comes to poverty. The liberal soul shall be made fat. He who waters shall be watered himself.”

The book of Proverbs is a collection of ancient Israelite wisdom sayings, often attributed to King Solomon, intended to teach practical wisdom for a good and flourishing life. This particular proverb uses vivid imagery to contrast the outcomes of generosity and stinginess, highlighting the reciprocal nature of giving.

what aspects of our lives, beyond just money, might we be called to 'scatter' or 'water' for the benefit of others?

Then — the setting

Proverbs is a wisdom book from ancient Israel, compiled over centuries, with much of its content reflecting a 10th to 7th century BCE context. The sayings are practical guidance for living well within a covenant community, often linking righteous behavior with tangible blessings. This particular proverb reflects a worldview where divine justice often manifests in the material realm, and generosity was seen as a virtue that fostered community well-being and, ultimately, the giver's own prosperity. It's less about a direct transactional return and more about the natural consequences of one's disposition and actions within a divinely ordered world.

Across the Testaments

This proverb in the Old Testament emphasizes that generosity leads to personal increase and being 'refreshed' – a material and spiritual flourishing. The New Testament, particularly 2 Corinthians 9, echoes this principle of reciprocal blessing but transforms its motivation and scope. While Proverbs often implies a direct, earthly return, Paul in 2 Corinthians 9 links generosity to God's grace, spiritual abundance ('every good work'), and the needs of others (the Jerusalem church). The 'increase' isn't just for personal gain, but so that the givers might be 'rich in every way so that you may be generous on every occasion.' The focus shifts from merely personal prosperity to enabling continued generosity and glorifying God through thanksgiving, all while still affirming that God will provide for the cheerful giver. It moves from an ethical principle with a promise to a theological principle rooted in God's character and grace, with a broader impact.

Keep thinking

Read alongside it

Deuteronomy 15:10
This law encourages generous lending to the poor, promising blessings in return.
Matthew 6:2-4
Jesus teaches about giving generously, but without seeking human praise.
Luke 6:38
Jesus explicitly connects giving with receiving, promising a generous measure back.

Ask your own follow-up