John 12:1-8

A woman uses expensive oil to anoint Jesus’ feet. When she is rebuked by Judas, who claims that she should have sold it and given the money to the poor, Jesus says, “Leave her alone. Let her keep this for the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.”

This passage shows that it is ethical to give money and expensive things to God for His glory instead of giving it to the poor as long as you give to the poor at other times. “You always have the poor with you,” implies that you can give money to the poor at another time.

Citation:

The New American Bible. Revised ed., Confraternity of Christian Doctorine, Inc., 2010.