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Day 125 Proverbs 15:27 Proverbs 15:27 He that is greedy of gain troubles his own house; but he that hates gifts shall live. Society has many types of people. Some are social climbers. They will do anything they can to get to the top rung of the ladder, often destroying their family as they do so. Then there are those who spend all their money on lottery tickets and gambling. They also bring their lives and family to ruin. And there are those who refuse to take bribes, but are good stewards of the money they earn. They are content with what they have and give to those in need. Solomon was a man of great wealth. Yet he honored God first, sacrificing the first fruits on the altar. 1 Kings 3:3 And Solomon loved the LORD, walking in the statutes of David his father: only he sacrificed and burnt incense in high places. 4 And the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there; for that was the great high place: a thousand burnt offerings did Solomon offer upon that altar. (KJV) As Christians, Jesus told people to give to the poor, and they would receive in return. Luke 6:38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. (KJV) Jesus also taught the parable of the man who built up his barns but did not give to those in need. Luke 12:15 And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consists not in the abundance of the things which he possesses. 16 And he spoke a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: 17 And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? 18 And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. 19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. 20 But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? 21 So is he that lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God. When you think only of yourself, without thought for those in need, you will lose even what you have and you will have nothing to show for your life. However, when you give with an open hand, trusting God to take care of your needs, you will have more than enough. Proverbs 3:9 Honor the LORD with thy substance, and with the first fruits of all thine increase: 10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine. Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (KJV) If you follow the unwritten rule of God, others, self, you will always have enough. Paul said he knew want and abundance and he was content with both. Philippians 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. (KJV) Paul went on from there to tell how the people gave to him even with their own need and God blessed them. When you close your fist, and think only of yourself, you will lose, but when you give with an open hand, you will receive even more than you gave, because God will see to all your needs. Let’s pray: Father, help me keep my hand open so I might give to those in need. Help me trust you to take care of all my needs according to your riches in glory by Christ Jesus. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen. Copyright © 11 January 2017 by Valerie Routhieaux Image courtesy of Pixabay