July 21, 2008

Today's Reading - Proverbs 21
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Following Scripture Verses

1. The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.
2. Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.
3. To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.
4. An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin.
5. The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want.
6. The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death.
7. The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them; because they refuse to do judgment.
8. The way of man is froward and strange: but as for the pure, his work is right.
9. It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house.
10. The soul of the wicked desireth evil: his neighbour findeth no favour in his eyes.
11. When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge.
12. The righteous man wisely considereth the house of the wicked: but God overthroweth the wicked for their wickedness.
13. Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.
14. A gift in secret pacifieth anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath.
15. It is joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.
16. The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead.
17. He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.
18. The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous, and the transgressor for the upright.
19. It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman.
20. There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.
21. He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour.
22. A wise man scaleth the city of the mighty, and casteth down the strength of the confidence thereof.
23. Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.
24. Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who dealeth in proud wrath.
25. The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour.
26. He coveteth greedily all the day long: but the righteous giveth and spareth not.
27. The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind?
28. A false witness shall perish: but the man that heareth speaketh constantly.
29. A wicked man hardeneth his face: but as for the upright, he directeth his way.
30. There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.
31. The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD.

Today's Pathway:
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"He coveteth greedily all the day long: but the righteous giveth and spareth not." - Proverbs 21:26

The "he" that Solomon is referring to in this verse is the slothful man of verse 25. Solomon writes that the lazy man is a man filled with covetousness, and that his greed consumes his every thought and decision. The Lord then inspires him to contrast this sluggard with a righteous man. The upstanding believer is said to be one who gives and spares not.

It is this righteous man that I would like to focus on today. The Bible says that he gives. Apparently this is a character trait of the righteous. People who are in a right relationship with God are quick to give to meet the needs of others. This is because they are filled with the Spirit, and the Spirit always directs God's children to practice love. John the apostle commended Gaius for his charity to brethren and to strangers (III John 5-6). Paul thanked the church in Philippi for their generosity towards him in the ministry (Phil. 4:15-17). Paul told the Corinthian church that their giving would prove the sincerity of their love (II Cor. 8:8), and used the Macedonian churches as an example of people who gave sacrificially because they had first given themselves to God (II Cor. 8:2-5). Thus, it becomes clear that those who walk with the Lord will give evidence of that by their benevolence.

It is worth noting that Solomon concludes by stating that the righteous man spareth not. He is not content to do the minimum, but he does everything that he can to assist those in need. He is not content to drop a few dollars in the collection plate or offer his spare change when someone else is facing a financial crisis. He does everything that he is able, and in fact, as Paul said of the Macedonian churches, he goes beyond his ability (II Cor. 8:3) because of his great love for the Lord and others.

What does your giving say about your relationship with God?

Pastor Mark J Montgomery