In how far does/could one hurt himself by giving?

Beings are act-ually stingy because they think or argue, that when giving this, it will hurt be, be of disadvantage for me. Now, what does the Buddha mean by advicing to give when it does not harm oneself? Does he even promote stinginess, or what's the game of defilements here? *(Note: this is not given for trade, exchange, stacks or entertainment keeping in this wheel, but for an escape)*