Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 36
Vāmanadeva Praises Bali; the Measure of Three Steps; Śukrācārya Warns Against the Gift
न तद्दानं प्रशंसन्ति येन वृत्तिर्विपद्यते । दानं यज्ञस्तप: कर्म लोके वृत्तिमतो यत: ॥ ३६ ॥
na tad dānaṁ praśaṁsanti yena vṛttir vipadyate dānaṁ yajñas tapaḥ karma loke vṛttimato yataḥ
Learned scholars do not praise that charity which endangers one’s own livelihood. Charity, sacrifice, austerity and fruitive activities are possible for one who is competent to earn his livelihood properly. [They are not possible for one who cannot maintain himself.]
FAQs
This verse says such charity is not praised; giving should be done in a way that does not destroy one’s proper maintenance and duties.
He highlights that pious acts like charity, sacrifice, and austerity are meant to be practiced responsibly, aligned with one’s capacity and worldly duties.
Give regularly and sincerely, but within your means—supporting dharmic causes without neglecting essential responsibilities like family upkeep and honest livelihood.