Subject: Giving - Proverbs 11-12

Proverbs 11:24-25 (NASBStr)
There is one who scatters, and yet increases all the more,
And there is one who withholds what is justly due, and yet it results only in want.
 The generous man will be prosperous,
And he who waters will himself be watered.

Subject:  Giving

There are some who say the Proverbs are not "promises."  And, as we read some of them, we can see their point. They would say that a proverb is simply an "observation" of an axiom of life.    It might, however, be best to say, that some proverbs ARE promises, some are precepts, some are principles and some are patterns of life.   In the above proverb, when comparing the truth of it with other Scripture, we have to conclude it is a promise of God.  But, not in the way we might think.  This proverb is based upon the fact that God is a giver.   God teaches us to give.   We are to demonstrate the gift of giving in our day to day actions; so as to be like God in our giving.   In the above two proverbs God tells us that when we give we are going to be blessed but when we withhold it will be withheld from us.   The law of the harvest is one of God's key principles outlined numerous times and in numerous ways in God's word.   Being a generous person will result in water flowing down on you.    Being someone who withholds will result in want.   God does not idly provide us with these principles for us to ignore.   When we scatter good seed through faith we reap a good harvest.   When we, through the flesh, withhold we reap little.   Water and be watered.   The second proverb in the above (v. 25) states that a "generous man will be prosperous and he who waters will himself be watered."   We need to capture this character quality in our lives.   In our relationships with others (whether at work, home, play; or, with family, friend or foe) we need to practice the art of giving.  We will be "watered" ourselves when we give.  Who, after serving others, has not said, or heard said, "I got more out of it than I gave!"?  Yes, according to the proverb we, ourselves will feel watered, but, more importantly we will be like our Father, who is a Giver. It is better to be a giver than a taker in a relationship with others.   This proverb DOESN'T say HOW we will be watered!  It DOESN'T say HOWwe will reap!  Too many of us think in a materialistic manner and that hinders us from capturing the true meaning of "giving."   Paul gave his time, energy and teaching to the church and lived as a pauper.  But, his "fruit" was others in Christ.   This proverb only tells us the promise we will receive when we give.  No place in Scripture does it tell us how God will bless us.   Only that He will!!