Wealth Being Used Properly Goes to Utilization Not to Waste

But, Great King, when a wholesome man gains abundant wealth, he makes himself peaceful and pleased, and he makes his mother and father peaceful and pleased, and his wife and children, and his slaves, workers, and servants, and his friends and colleagues; and he establishes an offering for Ascetics and Brāhmins, one leading upwards, of heavenly fruit, resulting in peacefulness, conducive to heaven. Because his wealth is being used properly, Kings do not take it away, thieves do not take it away, fire does not burn it, water does not carry it away and displeased heirs do not take it.

Such being the case, Great King, that wealth, being used properly, goes to utilization, not to waste.

Suppose, Great King, not far from a village or a town, there was a lotus pond with clear, cool, sweet, clean water, with good crossings, delightful; and people would take that water, and drink it, and bathe in it, and use it for their purposes. In such a case, Great King, that water, being used properly, would go to utilization, not to waste.

So too, Great King, when a wholesome man gains abundant wealth, he makes himself peaceful and pleased, and he makes his mother and father peaceful and pleased, and his wife and children, and his slaves, workers, and servants, and his friends and colleagues; and he establishes an offering for Ascetics and Brāhmins, one leading upwards, of heavenly fruit, resulting in peacefulness, conducive to heaven. Because his wealth is being used properly, Kings do not take it away, thieves do not take it away, fire does not burn it, water does not carry it away, and displeased heirs do not take it.

Such being the case, Great King, that wealth, being used properly, goes to utilization, not to waste.

(Reference: SN 3.19)

In this Teaching from Gotama Buddha, he shares guidance similar to the prior Chapter.

As part of practicing generosity, a Practitioner needs to find “the middle way”.

Just like with all aspects of The Path to Enlightenment, a Practitioner needs to find “the middle way” when practicing generosity. The Buddha provides guidance on finding the middle way in this Chapter and the prior Chapter.

He provides guidance of ensuring one has cared for themselves and those around them ensuring individuals are established in the necessities to sustain life. Having all those around you taken care of, then a Practitioner can look to practice generosity with others with the goal to eliminate any selfishness.