Matthew 7:11
If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?
Matthew 7:11
Verse 11 intensifies the parental analogy: “If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?” Jesus concedes human fault—people are flawed (“evil”)—yet still skillful in giving. If imperfect parents can recognize and provide good things, how much more so the perfect, benevolent God in heaven. The contrast is meant to reassure, not condemn; it invites trust in the Father’s benevolence. The “good things” refers to what is beneficial for life in God’s Kingdom, not mere convenience. The passage, therefore, moves from the trust that God hears prayer to the assurance of his orientation toward our true good, even when the timing differs from ours.
Key themes: divine benevolence, trust, and the superiority of God’s wisdom. It reframes human imperfection as a baseline for understanding God’s generosity; if flawed humans can do good, the perfect Father can do far better. It also invites humility in prayer—recognizing our own limitations while resting in God’s perfect knowledge of what is truly good. The verse paves the way for the concluding exhortation to treat others well, because God’s generosity toward us sets a standard for how we should relate to others.
Practically, this verse encourages bold, sincere prayer paired with patient waiting. Pray for needs, but also cultivate gratitude for how God has already provided. Consider times when you asked for something and God answered differently—and better—than you expected. Share testimonies with others to reinforce faith that God’s generosity extends beyond the obvious. In parenting or mentoring, model this principle by giving good, appropriate gifts that build character and faith, rather than merely gratifying appetite or status. Use the verse to counter cynicism: even when life feels tight, trust that God’s Fatherly generosity remains available within his timing.
Cross-References: Luke 11:13; James 1:17; Psalm 84:11; Romans 8:32; Matthew 6:25-33