Secret of Secrets

...from the two sides, it does not reach the level of blame. It is said that managing generosity is difficult, and managing stinginess is easy. The definition of generosity is to give what is needed when there is a need, and to deliver it to those who deserve it according to one's capacity. Whoever exceeds this has been excessive, and has moved beyond the limit of generosity into wastefulness and extravagance. This is because whoever gives what is not needed is not praised, and whoever gives it at the wrong time is like one who pours water on the shore of the sea at the wrong time. Whoever gives what is not needed at a time when it is needed, and delivers it to those who are not deserving of it, is generous to himself and wasteful? of generosity? toward his posterity.