Today's Verse: Proverbs 3:9-10 (ESV)
9 Honor the Lord with your wealth and with qthe firstfruits of all your produce; 10 then your rbarns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.
q Ex. 23:19; 34:26; Deut. 26:2
r Deut. 28:8
This particular section of the Book of Proverbs is filled with verses which praise wisdom. These proverbs are designed to teach the reader to lead a disciplined life and to do that which is just and fair. In this particular verse, we are reminded that we should honor God by giving generously. In Israel, the way that one expressed gratitude to God for His help was to give of his or her first fruits.
Today's Comments: The Bible Knowledge Commentary reminds us that, while "godliness results in gain" and "piety brings prosperity"(Walvoord, John F. ; Zuck, Roy B. ; Dallas Theological Seminary: The Bible Knowledge Commentary : An Exposition of the Scriptures. Wheaton, IL : Victor Books, 1983-c1985, S. 1:912. I like that alliteration and need to remember to use it in a sermon sometime.) Yet, this reference cautions against generalization to the point that does not allow God to make exceptions. Otherwise, God does not become the subject of honor, He becomes the object of investment. This is where the prosperity gospellers miss the point. They look upon tithing as an investment rather than as an action from the heart to honor God.
We must also remember that God does not only prosper us with wealth. He also prospers us with other things that are more important, including health and happiness. So, if we truly want to give from our heart, we must also consider giving not only our treasures, but our time and talent as well. And in return, God will give us those things that we really need so that we may truly honor Him and love our neighbor.
9 Honor the Lord with your wealth and with qthe firstfruits of all your produce; 10 then your rbarns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.
q Ex. 23:19; 34:26; Deut. 26:2
r Deut. 28:8
This particular section of the Book of Proverbs is filled with verses which praise wisdom. These proverbs are designed to teach the reader to lead a disciplined life and to do that which is just and fair. In this particular verse, we are reminded that we should honor God by giving generously. In Israel, the way that one expressed gratitude to God for His help was to give of his or her first fruits.
Today's Comments: The Bible Knowledge Commentary reminds us that, while "godliness results in gain" and "piety brings prosperity"(Walvoord, John F. ; Zuck, Roy B. ; Dallas Theological Seminary: The Bible Knowledge Commentary : An Exposition of the Scriptures. Wheaton, IL : Victor Books, 1983-c1985, S. 1:912. I like that alliteration and need to remember to use it in a sermon sometime.) Yet, this reference cautions against generalization to the point that does not allow God to make exceptions. Otherwise, God does not become the subject of honor, He becomes the object of investment. This is where the prosperity gospellers miss the point. They look upon tithing as an investment rather than as an action from the heart to honor God.
We must also remember that God does not only prosper us with wealth. He also prospers us with other things that are more important, including health and happiness. So, if we truly want to give from our heart, we must also consider giving not only our treasures, but our time and talent as well. And in return, God will give us those things that we really need so that we may truly honor Him and love our neighbor.
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