This phrase is used to indicate that if you give everything you have, you may end up having to ask for things yourself. It's a warning about the risks of being too generous or not saving for the future.
Examples
- Spanish: No deberías dar todos tus ahorros a esa causa, recuerda que 'el que da lo que tiene a pedir se atiene'.
- English: You shouldn't give all your savings to that cause, remember that 'he who gives what he has may end up having to ask'.