“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.
”
Proverbs 11 seems to develop a strong connection between wisdom and righteousness. Ten times in this chapter we see positive outcomes for those who are righteous. Of course, the Apostle Paul in Romans and Philippians instructs us that righteousness comes by faith.
It makes sense then that the person of faith is generous, not clinging to money or possessions for security. The one who trusts God and lives by faith is able to freely give of that which he has, not hoarding grain (or toilet paper!).
My dad lived this way; he was recklessly generous! We did not have much when I was growing up but you would have never known it; dad gave like he was wealthy! He gave of his money, his time, his possessions. He gave through hospitality and patience. He was generous and he refreshed others.
And as this Proverb promises, he was refreshed by others. My Dad passed away a month ago today. It was a long cancer battle but he was refreshed by others until the day he died. His house was filled with visitors every day over the final months of his life and my mom made meals for everyone, continuing to refresh others, to not withhold, and to be generous with time, food, and energy. When dad was moved to the hospital for his final two weeks, his room was filled with visitors. All day long they would come and they would not leave! The hospital staff were amazed. They sang and they prayed and they ate and they told stories; dozens of friends each day. Dad, and the rest of our family were refreshed by them. It was the kingdom of God.
Solomon understood this kingdom way of life. The righteous live by faith, they are generous, they refresh others and they themselves are refreshed.
My dad taught me this – he was a righteous man.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
Have you experienced the Kingdom way of generosity? Do you have a story to tell about reckless generosity? Share your thoughts below.