Proverbs 11 records great promise for the generous person. We’re in the middle of a downsizing move, and there’s a lot to get rid of. I have a chance to be generous! As my son Matt said, “You give stuff away, you make somebody happy.” Unlike my World Book Encyclopedia set, some of my stuff has value, but I’m pretty sure it’s not worth the time and energy to sell it for that value. So I get to be generous, for which there are rewards.

There is one who scatters, yet increases more; And there is one who withholds more than is right, But it leads to poverty. The generous soul will be made rich, And he who waters will also be watered himself. (Proverbs 11.24, 25, NKJV)

This reminds me of a verse in my favorite psalm:

He scattered abroad his gifts to the poor, his righteousness endures forever…  (Psalm 112.9, NIV1984)

And that verse is quoted in the classic New Testament passage on generosity:

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

As it is written: “He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.”

Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. (2 Corinthians 9.6 – 11, NIV1984)

Amen.