In the book of Proverbs, people are often contrasted using categories such as wise or foolish, good or bad, honorable or shameful. Generosity is a characteristic of those who are “good.” Generous people desire to benefit those who’ll outlive them: “A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children” (13:22).
The Proverbs teach us some dimensions of giving that are unexpected. For example, “One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty” (11:24). Another insight is that God takes our generosity to others personally: “Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord” (19:17esv; see 14:31).
Believers in Jesus view money as an investment in God’s work and His people rather than a commodity to consume. And that’s the posture of a blessed person. There’s a mystery to giving that requires participation to fully appreciate. As God supplies our needs, we can choose to live generously toward others.
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