(Prov 21:26 AMP) He covets greedily all the day long, but the [uncompromisingly] righteous gives and does not withhold. [II Cor. 9:6-10.]
This morning we continue our series entitled “Unlocking the Power of Proverbs – Walking in the Wisdom of God.” Here Solomon continues the thought from the previous verse – about overcoming laziness and the value of hard work – and he further explains how the lazy man spends all day dreaming about what he or she does not have, while the diligent and faithful worker spends time figuring out how they can be a blessing with what they do have. This is a stark contrast and I pray you find yourself on the latter part of the comparison.
The Message Bible paraphrase of this verse makes the point painfully clear; it reads: “Sinners are always wanting what they don’t have; the God-loyal are always giving what they do have.” In yesterday’s message I said, “This is someone who always wants “stuff,” but is never diligent enough to put in the work required to attain it; as if God is just going to give it to them without any effort on their part.” Furthermore, we learn today that they only want it for selfish reasons. It’s not like the lazy person has anyone else on their mind while they are coveting these things. Unlike the righteous, who is always looking to be a blessing to others, the lazy is only concerned with himself, but not concerned enough to get his lazy butt off of the couch long enough to DO something about it.
Theologian Matthew Henry had this to say about verses 25 and 26: “Here is the misery of the slothful; their hands refuse to labor in an honest calling, by which they might get an honest livelihood; yet their hearts cease not to covet riches, pleasures, and honors, which cannot be obtained without labor. But the righteous and industrious have their desires satisfied.” Instead of having lazy hands and a covetous heart, you and I, as believers, are called to have diligent hands and a giving heart. In the New Testament Paul explains the attitude we should have about giving. This is what Paul said: “Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. As the Scriptures say, “They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.” For God is the One who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, He will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you. Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God” (2 Cor 9:6-10).
So what does this mean to you today? A few things:
1. Don’t be lazy. The lazy man’s hands are too sluggish to do anything and even worse, his heart is fixated on selfish desires.
2. Work diligently, with the right attitude: The righteous man’s hands are industrious and even better, his heart is in the right place, wanting to BE a blessing to others.
3. Give freely: You can’t beat God’s giving. I am a witness that the more you give, the more He gives to you. So give freely, from a willing heart, and you will reap divine harvests.
Closing Confession: Father, I thank You for blessing me to be able to work. I put my hands to work and You bless the work of my hands. You cause me to increase and I shall use that increase in ways that are pleasing to You. I honor You with my finances, I finance ministry, I give to the less fortunate, and I seek to BE a blessing daily. I know that the purpose of the blessing on my life is so that I can BE a blessing to others, and I shall never forget it. My hands are industrious and my heart is fixed on pleasing You. I come to You with clean hands and pure heart this morning. Use me for Your glory! In Jesus’ name. Amen!
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper!
