"... The Hebrew phrase tov ‘ayin literally means “good eye,” but English translations often use the word “generous” to communicate its deeper meaning. Consider Proverbs 22:9: “One who is generous [tov ‘ayin] will be blessed, because he gives some of his food to the poor.” The opposite of tov ‘ayin (good eye) in Hebrew is ra’ ayin (bad eye). This example from Proverbs 23:6-7 shows both the “bad” and “duplicitous” nuances conveyed in this idiom: “Do not eat the bread of a selfish [ra’ ayin or “bad eye”] person or desire his delicacies. For as he thinks within himself, so he is. He says to you, ‘Eat and drink!’ But his heart is not with you.” Notice how the proverb warns against wanting anything from this double-minded person. Even if what they give has material value, it’s tied to corruption and best to avoid altogether. The bad eye represents the way of pretending to care for others’ needs while staying self-obsessed—publicly posturing as generous when the true agenda is all about personal gain ..."