"He who gives to the poor will never want, but he who shuts his eyes will have many curses"
One of the missing things in this culture is generosity. We do not understand how important it is that we do not close our hearts to those who are less fortunate than ourselves.
Some of the resources that God has allowed to flow toward you, He wants to flow through you. Each of us must make sure that we do not hedge ourselves in from the difficulties, inequities, and circumstances of the afflicted and poor. It is our connection to them that will keep our heart open.
The great danger is that we will adopt a "me only" attitude. This attitude robs you of the desire to even contemplate the poor and needy. It opens you to new levels of pride as you somehow believe that you deserve all the blessings that God flows in your direction.
poor
This is the Hebrew word rush which means to be in want of basic food, shelter, clothing. These folks are dependent on others to sustain life. There are always going to be people in these conditions because of personal, governmental, corporate, and family sinful decisions. Therefore there is a need for people who have been blessed and have made more righteous decisions to share with those who have less.
want
This is the Hebrew word machsor which means to be in poverty or want of basic needs. Solomon is contrasting the two positions -- the person who is in need with those who are never in need. They are linked. One of the blessings of generosity is that you will not find yourself in the place of want.
There is something significant about staying generous. It provides discipline in that you won't spend all your money on yourself.
A number of years ago I did a sermon called: “The reasons why I should be generous.” Look at the various scriptures that give positive and negative reasons for being generous.
WHY SHOULD I BE GENEROUS?
Notice just a few of the reasons why God says that we need to develop a generous life. This doesn’t mean that we cannot enjoy great things but that we must realize that many times God gives us blessings that are for others. He wants them to pass through our lives, not stop with us.
Because God will supply all my needs in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19
Because it will be well with you. Psalm 112: 5-9
Because God becomes your attorney. Psalm 112: 5-9
Because you will not be shaken. Psalm 112: 5-9
Because God and others will remember you. Psalm 112: 5-9
Because you will not be constantly worried about bad news. Psalm 112: 5-9
Because you will come out ahead of your competitors. Psalm 112: 5-9
Because you will be blessed. Psalm 41:1 -3
Because God delivers from the trouble that would get him. Psalm 41:1 -3
Because you will be noticed as a blessed person. Psalm 41:1 -3
Because vengeance will not work against this kind of person. Psalm 41:1 -3
Because God will comfort and encourage this kind of person. Psalm 41:1 -3
You will have an increased number of friends. Luke 16:9; Proverbs 19:6
You will be feeding, clothing, and ministering to Jesus. Matthew 25:34
God will give you more than you expected. Luke 6:38
You will be more blessed .Acts 20:35
So you will not become guilty and under condemnation. Ezekiel 16:49
So that God doesn’t make sure that your profits don’t profit. Haggai 1:7
Until tomorrow,
Gil Stieglitz