Joseph (Joe) Smith Supporter

We should give cheerfully because God loves
a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7 We also see 
that it should not be grudgingly or out of necessity.
We should also give to the poor when possible.1
John 3:17-18 
However, this does not mean that we should fund
the lazy. In fact, if someona is to lazy to work, he
shouldn't eat. 2 Thessalonians 3:10

April 16 2015 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jack Gutknecht Supporter Arizona Bible College graduate and Dallas Seminary graduate

Good question, Jay!

The Nave's Topical Bible says something like this when it lists cross-references: Proverbs 11:24 = De 15:10; Ps 112:9; Pr 11:18; Pr 19:17; Pr 28:8; Ec 11:1,2,6; Hag 1:6,9-11; Hag 2:16-19; Lu 6:38; Ac 11:29,30; 2 Co 9:5-11

Proverbs 11:25 = Job 29:13-18; Job 31:16-20; Pr 28:27; Isa 32:8; Isa 58:7-11; Mt 5:7; Mt 25:34,35

It truly is a reference tool, and it's pretty technical. I include it because someone else cited a verse in the passage above, 2 Co 9:5-11.

Jesus said in Luke 6:38, "Give, and it shall be given to you, good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running shall men pour into your lap; for with whatever measure you mete, it shall be measured to you again."

Paderewski:
Many years ago two young men were working their way through Stanford University. At one point their money was almost gone, so they decided to engage the great pianist Paderewski for a concert and use the profits for board and tuition. Paderewski’s manager asked for a guarantee of $1,000. the students worked hard to promote the concert, but they came up $400 short. After the performance, they went to the musician, gave him all the money they had raised, and promised to pay the $400 as soon as they could. It appeared that their college days were over. “No, boys, that won’t do,” said the pianist. “Take out of this $1600 all your expenses, and keep for each of you 10 percent of the balance for your work. Let me have the rest.”

Years passed. Paderewski became the premier of Poland following World War I. Thousands of his countrymen were starving. Only one man could help—the head of the U. S. Food and Relief Bureau. Paderewski’s appeal to him brought thousands of tons of food. Later he met the American statesman to thank him. “That’s all right,” replied Herbert Hoover. “Besides, you don’t remember, but you helped me once when I was a student in college.”

The principle of liberality set forth in Proverbs 11:25 finds its origin in God. He is overflowing in His goodness, lavish in His mercy, and abounding in His grace. How inconceivable that we His creatures, especially His redeemed children, could be greedy and selfish! Remember, liberality is part of God’s way of taking care of us. - D.J.D.
Our Daily Bread, April 10

Two verses in Psalm 112 deal with generosity:

Psalm 112:5 – Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely, who conduct their affairs with justice.

Psalms 112:9 They lavish gifts on the poor - A generosity that goes on, and on, and on. An honored life! A beautiful life!.

July 10 2023 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report