DAY 10: God’s economics
Reading: Proverbs 11:24-28
24 One person gives freely, yet gains even more;
another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.
25 A generous person will prosper;
whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.
26 People curse the one who hoards grain,
but they pray God’s blessing on the one who is willing to sell.
27 Whoever seeks good finds favor,
but evil comes to one who searches for it.
28 Those who trust in their riches will fall,
but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf.
This could be our theme throughout the next few weeks. It seems
that the more we give, the more we are blessed and our needs are
met. That is not why we give but it seems to be the consequence
of our response to God. The writer here reflects on what happens
when people give freely, they seem to be richer. Our bank balance
may not grow, although as we saw last week our needs will be met.
Also our sense of well-being and peace with God will grow, for if we
are generous then the by-product is that we are enriched. As we give
money back to God and to good causes so we are enriched. We know
that it is not just our obedience but also that God will use the gift to
bless others.
We don’t give to gain from God, but He is not in debt to anyone. Our
giving is in response to God’s love and generosity and is linked with
right living. So integrity is rewarded. Perhaps, as in the reading from
Haggai, if we withhold things from God then we will find that our
money doesn’t stretch as far as we would like.
For Further Reading: 1 Samuel 25:1b-35 - meanness nearly causes disaster, which is
averted by generosity.
To Ponder: How have you seen verse 24 reflected in your own life?
How has it helped you establish principles for a life of obedient
discipleship?
To Pray: Lord Jesus, you have revealed the Father’s love through your
life and death. May I respond with open hands to all that you
call me to. Amen.
‘One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds
unduly, but comes to poverty.’ v24
24 One person gives freely, yet gains even more;
another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.
25 A generous person will prosper;
whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.
26 People curse the one who hoards grain,
but they pray God’s blessing on the one who is willing to sell.
27 Whoever seeks good finds favor,
but evil comes to one who searches for it.
28 Those who trust in their riches will fall,
but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf.
This could be our theme throughout the next few weeks. It seems
that the more we give, the more we are blessed and our needs are
met. That is not why we give but it seems to be the consequence
of our response to God. The writer here reflects on what happens
when people give freely, they seem to be richer. Our bank balance
may not grow, although as we saw last week our needs will be met.
Also our sense of well-being and peace with God will grow, for if we
are generous then the by-product is that we are enriched. As we give
money back to God and to good causes so we are enriched. We know
that it is not just our obedience but also that God will use the gift to
bless others.
We don’t give to gain from God, but He is not in debt to anyone. Our
giving is in response to God’s love and generosity and is linked with
right living. So integrity is rewarded. Perhaps, as in the reading from
Haggai, if we withhold things from God then we will find that our
money doesn’t stretch as far as we would like.
For Further Reading: 1 Samuel 25:1b-35 - meanness nearly causes disaster, which is
averted by generosity.
To Ponder: How have you seen verse 24 reflected in your own life?
How has it helped you establish principles for a life of obedient
discipleship?
To Pray: Lord Jesus, you have revealed the Father’s love through your
life and death. May I respond with open hands to all that you
call me to. Amen.
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