13 Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality.
13 For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened:
13 For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened, but that as a matter of fairness
13 This isn't so others can take it easy while you sweat it out. No, you're shoulder to shoulder with them all the way,
13 For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened;
13 Of course, I don't mean your giving should make life easy for others and hard for yourselves. I only mean that there should be some equality.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 8:13
Commentary on 2 Corinthians 8:10-15
(Read 2 Corinthians 8:10-15)
Good purposes are like buds and blossoms, pleasant to behold, and give hopes of good fruit; but they are lost, and signify nothing without good deeds. Good beginnings are well; but we lose the benefit, unless there is perseverance. When men purpose that which is good, and endeavour, according to their ability, to perform also, God will not reject them for what it is not in their power to do. But this scripture will not justify those who think good meanings are enough, or that good purposes, and the mere profession of a willing mind, are enough to save. Providence gives to some more of the good things of this world, and to some less, that those who have abundance might supply others who are in want. It is the will of God, that by our mutual supplying one another, there should be some sort of equality; not such a levelling as would destroy property, for in such a case there could be no exercise of charity. All should think themselves concerned to relieve those in want. This is shown from the gathering and giving out the manna in the wilderness, Exodus 16:18. Those who have most of this world, have no more than food and raiment; and those who have but little of this world, seldom are quite without them.