Is It Always Wise to Give to Charity?
Awake November 1973 page 26
A Balanced View
No question about it, as Jesus said, “You always have the poor with you.” (Matt. 26:11) And he also said, there is happiness in giving, in being unselfish, in being helpful. But to be gullible is to reward the greedy ones or those too lazy to work. Since there are deserving persons and deserving causes, one should practice discrimination. So the time-worn saying, “Let the buyer beware,” might well be rephrased, “Let the giver beware.”
And, of course, those who are Christian ministers are in position to give something far better than silver and gold. And what is that? The truth of God’s Word, which brings comfort, hope, peace of mind and which can even result in life eternal. Having received free, they also want to give free. (Matt. 10:8; compare Acts 3:1-8.) And, in fact, it is in regard to this kind of giving, of spiritual things, that the apostle Paul quoted Jesus’ words about the greater happiness that comes from giving.—Acts 20:35.
So, there you have it! The Watchtower Society advises fellow members not to give money to charities because: ''You will always have the poor'', ''You will reward the greedy and those too lazy to work'' and leaving Watchtower Bibles and literature is far better than silver and gold.
Watchtower Society ..What about opening up soup kitchens/ warming centers for the homeless? What about providing monies for clothing, school supplies and medical centers for the unfortunate?
I know the answer to those questions! Not once in the 40+ years I was a Jehovah's Witnesses did I see any kind of mention to donate to any charities. It was only after I left the Watchtower Society did I start giving money, donating clothes/ furniture and donating my auto for veterans who needed help with their everyday expenses.