Readings in Proverbs
Proverbs – Day 44
Day 44: Generosity and meanness – part 2 The Apostle Paul wrote to the believers of Corinth: “whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also […]
Day 44: Generosity and meanness – part 2
The Apostle Paul wrote to the believers of Corinth: “whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work (2 Cor. 9:6-8).”
These proverbs teach us that generosity may open opportunities (Prov. 18:16). This must not be a bribe, but a legitimate outcome of generosity. A generous man attracts many friends (Prov. 19:6), but when poverty strikes, many may disown him (Prov. 19:7).
The LORD’s eye is especially keen to see who is generous to the poor. Such is His concern, that to be generous to the poor is to be generous to the LORD Himself (Prov. 19:17). May we replicate our Lord’s concern for the poor!
Ironically, a sluggard is never satisfied. His unsatisfied cravings lead him to be a complainer and whinger. In contrast, the righteous are generous with no limit (Prov. 21:26).
Wealth will do us no good, unless it be used in a way that pleases God. May we learn to be generous, trusting God and with thoughts only to His glory and blessing others.
A man’s gift makes room for him and brings him before the great.
– Prov. 18:16
Many seek the favour of a generous man, and everyone is a friend to a man who gives gifts.
– Prov. 19:6
All a poor man’s brothers hate him; how much more do his friends go far from him!
– Prov. 19:7
Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.
– Prov. 19:17
All day long he craves and craves, but the righteous gives and does not hold back.
– Prov. 21:26
Whoever has a bountiful eye will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor.
– Prov. 22:9
O Eternal God, You are God of Heaven and Earth.
If we are in Christ, cleansed and sanctified in Him, may we never be mean in our generosity. Please forgive us such an ungrateful spirit. Instead, when we think of the goodness and generosity of You, our Great God, may we overflow with joy and cheerfulness in giving.
Let our motive be Your glory and goodwill to others.
May Your grace abound within us. May it spill out into a generous and gracious spirit.
We ask this in Jesus’ Name.
Amen.
– Graham Barnes
