Blessings in Giving

The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself. (Proverb 11:25)

When the Bible talks about the liberal soul, it means a prosperous and generous person who quickly blesses others. The heart of liberality really goes beyond financial contributions and means someone who will live as a blessing toward those around them. They will give you the shirt off their back. They’ll give to help people in every instance and situation.

The good news is the person who lives this way has a promise of a return! The writer of Proverbs says that they will be made fat. Now, in our modern context, that sounds like something we don’t want. But what that meant in old English was that you would have more than enough, and you would not be wanting. In fact, the Hebrew word used in Proverbs 11:25 is dashen; it means to become prosperous. As a man sows, he always reaps. When you are liberal in your giving, you can expect a liberal return coming back to you. Find a way to give. If you don’t have money, you can still give with your words or your actions but make no mistake - you and I are designed to be givers.

Everything in the Bible operates in a circular fashion–what one sows, one reaps. Liberality in giving, whether in words, actions, time, love, or financial support, will initiate God’s designed cycle of blessings that will always return to the giver.

Practical Application

As mature Christians who are led by the Spirit, and faithful to obey, let us embrace the liberality of giving. In every service, ask the Holy Spirit what He wants you to give. If you hear of someone in need, ask the Holy Spirit what He would have you give. When you feel led, obey immediately. It is important that believers understand that every act of giving starts God’s circle of blessing that enriches not only the lives of others but our own as well.

Matthew 5:7; 2 Corinthians 9:6

Guarding the Gate

The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly. (Proverbs 26:22)

A talebearer is not someone who can weave beautiful narration or is a master orator of speech. The person Proverbs 26:22 refers to is someone who spreads secrets, creates false stories, and exploits others using their ability to tell lies beautifully.

The proverb states that such a person is not simply making sounds come out of their mouths. The power of their words is vividly explained as wounds that pierce deep into the innermost parts of the belly. Just as music has the power to stir emotions, our words possess the power to wound or heal.

Have you ever heard the saying, “Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me”? There are not many greater lies than this one taught to kids everywhere. The truth is words are our most powerful tool and weapon. If we just throw them around everywhere, with no thought or consideration, they will cause incredible damage.

I’ve had counseling sessions with people who attempted suicide, and the primary reason they did was because of words others said about or to them. They became so wounded, they simply wanted to die.

Consider the weight of your words. Don’t simply say what is on your mind or try to attack others with the weapons of the words at your disposal. You have been given access to a very powerful force, so do not use it for evil.

Practical Application

Guard your mouth. When you feel like saying something damaging, hurtful or hate-filled, think of your words as being real daggers and remind yourself of the damage hurtful word can do to someone. Do not allow yourself to speak damaging words over others, no matter what the situation.

Proverbs 18:8; Ezekiel 22:9

The Heart of Faithful Spirits

A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter. (Proverbs 11:13)

Have you ever known someone who simply can’t keep a secret? They almost bust at the seams when they know something others don’t. They can’t hold it long and they soon tell someone what they know. You do not want to be known as a talebearer.

There are two personality types and characters that are depicted in Proverbs 11:13 - the talebearer and the faithful spirit.

Now, spirit doesn’t mean a ghostly figure or a supernatural being. It’s referring to the attitude, the personality, and the character of a person.

Proverbs has a reoccurring theme of controlling our tongue and being careful about the words we say. This Proverb specifically depicts that a friend that has a faithful spirit does not talk behind someone’s back or tell secrets they are entrusted with by those close to them. The faithful can control their mouths.

Being trustworthy is one of the greatest goals we should have in the friendships and relationships God has given us. So, we need to control our mouths and not talk about things we shouldn’t. We should aim to be confidants that will hold a matter for someone because we want to be known as faithful spirits.

Practical Application

Are you a faithful spirit? Do people know that they can confide in you and trust you with the depth of issues and questions they have? If so, be careful to keep that good name around others by being faithful with what is shared with you. If not, ask the Holy Spirit how you can work on changing your reputation and control your tongue.

Leviticus 19:16; Proverbs 20:19