A Stingy Man

Do not eat the food of a stingy man;do not crave his delicacies;for he is the kind of man who is always thinking about the cost.“Eat and drink,” he says to you, but his heart is not with you.You will vomit up the little you have eatenand will have wasted your compliments.

Proverbs 23:6-8 (NIV)

It’s amazing. I’ve seen more stingy people who are rich than stingy people who are poor. It’s a shame. For some, being rich means more to hoard, never more to give.

I have gone to homes like mansions but felt poor, hardly welcomed, and not really wanted. Be careful when you’re in that atmosphere. You never want to be beholden to those who are stingy or insincere in what they give or what they do. Our proverb says we’ll be sorry later.

In contrast, it’s a joy to see generosity displayed. I’ve sat at the tables of women in Russia whose apartments were small and simple, and yet they lavished me with a warm welcome, wonderful food, and love. That’s generosity.

What lesson now should we learn? Let’s be generous. “God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7, NKJV), and so does everyone else. “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35, NKJV). So this week let’s make it a point to consciously be generous in a practical way, either in time, or kindness, or appreciative words. Don’t make it a chore—Okay. I’ll do my three good deeds. That’s not the idea. Ask the Lord to show you an opportunity. You’ll be amazed. It will not only make a difference in someone else’s day, but it will make a difference in yours.

Make It Personal . . . Live It Out!

General William Booth of the Salvation Army was a man who spent his life in unselfish service. He once sent a Christmas greeting to his workers around the world. The message was a simple and yet profound word—Others. I love it. Doesn’t the thought of living this day with that motto stir you? Others!

Let’s Pray

Lord, move my heart to be outward and generous. May I see and care about what you see and care about others.

One Year Bible Reading

Isaiah 10:1–11:16; 2 Corinthians 12:11-21; Psalm 56:1-13; Proverbs 23:6-8