Author: divinewisdomforchristians

We Need Jesus’s Righteousness to Love God’s Justice

“Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law strive against them. Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the Lord understand it completely.” (Proverbs 28:4-5)

Today has been a good day in rehab, with lots of visitors, especially compared to last night when I was aching and tired, at the end of a pain-filled day and a half. I decided to wait until now to write and post today’s devotion, rather than press myself to write when I was so weary and unfocused. I felt justified because of my physical and mental weakness, which means that I had a right and logical reason for waiting. The burden of obeying a rule I made up for myself (post a devotion every day the evening before) does not threaten me. I also know that I am no longer being judged by God’s Law, having been freed from the law by Jesus Christ, who redeemed me. However, my love for Jesus Christ, his wisdom, and grace motivates me to write, when I am able—he gives me the desire to write when I am ready because I miss the time I spend with him while doing so. I am sure that one of the reasons I want to spend this time with Jesus is because of the time I’ve already spent with his people today. We have talked of God’s sweet grace, his providence, sovereignty, and his timing in our lives. 

“Wicked people strengthen one another in wicked ways. If a man seeks the Lord, it is a good sign that he understands much, and it is a good means of understanding more.” (1) The more time we spend with those who reject the Lord and his wisdom, who do not understand God’s justice, the less we will appreciate how his justice works with his mercy and grace. We say that we don’t want God’s justice because it is what we deserve—condemnation for our sins. However, if we are believers in Jesus Christ, he has cleared us of our guilty status and declared us to be just in his eyes. When we consider the purity and holiness of God’s laws and commands, the perfection of his righteousness, and the consistency of his integrity, why would we not want God’s justice? Mercy is not the absence of justice, but conformity to it, by the righteousness of Jesus Christ, giving us his irresistible desire and love for God’s.  

When we think of Jesus Christ over the next four days, let’s remember his perfect righteousness and the justice of God that drove him to the cross for us.

*Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible, Proverbs 28:4-5. https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-concise/proverbs/28.html

https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-concise/proverbs/28.html

We Need Jesus’s Boldness

“The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion.” (Proverbs 28:1)

Fear is one of our greatest enemies. Fright can make us sure of that which is entirely unrealistic, imagining that the worst-case scenario is the likely outcome of a situation. Dreading an event, procedure, or even a conversation can cause us to make ineffective choices, to comfort ourselves, rather than do what is reasonable and effective. Fearing pain, we avoid medical procedures and physical therapy. When we are anxious about a speech or program, we tend to go overboard in preparation rather than enjoy the process. If we’re in conflict with someone and afraid of meeting with them, because it will be emotionally painful, we’re like the untrusting in Proverbs 28:1 who “flee when no one pursues.”

In our passage, those who fear their own shadows are compared to people who are “bold as a lion.” Of course, there are things we should fear, and it would be insensible to live as if nothing can ever hurt us. But we must be discerning. Since sin is the root cause of fear, and everything in our world is affected by it, I was curious about what, if anything might frighten a lion, a creature that is no exception to the effects of sin. It makes sense that lions are afraid of larger “mammals like giraffes, hippos and elephants, but they are also afraid of their day-to-day prey.” As I continued to read on the Quora website, I found the following commentary imaginative but preposterous, like some of our fears: “Every time a hunt takes place, their prey animals are going to try their best to resist. Running at high speeds, a perusing lion runs the risk of tendon injury, broken bones, or being stabbed by thorns or broken branches. No antibiotics out on the plains, no surgeons to remove deep slivers. Hellooo tetanus. Closing on the prey animal, the lion could get kicked or gored. Trying for a nice, safe juvenile animal? Now, the lion is up against mom and possibly other herd members. And though they don’t know it, even if the hunt is uneventful, lions can pick up diseases and parasites when they eat their prey.” (1) If lions thought about catching diseases before they started hunting, would they be so bold? Of course, lions probably have a physical memory of injuries, so they are not without some level of fear. But real courage is boldness in the face of fear. 

Christian boldness is executed through God’s strength and omnipotence. David defeated Goliath, who frightened everyone, by the Lord’s power. Daniel and his friends trusted God to deliver them from an obsessed king and even a lion. Paul expected God to carry him through beatings, hardships, shipwrecks, and robbers. But most importantly, Jesus Christ boldly left heaven to suffer, to minister, to heal, to be mocked, tortured, atone through an excruciating death, all to be raised to glory and overcome all the fear of sin that would otherwise intimidate us. 

Whatever our fears or anxieties this Christmas, let’s rejoice in Christ’s boldness.

* https://www.quora.com/What-animals-are-lions-afraid-of-or-averse-to

We Need Jesus’s Victorious Righteousness 

“When the righteous triumph, there is great glory, but when the wicked rise, people hide themselves… “When the wicked rise, people hide themselves, but when they perish, the righteous increase.” (Proverbs 28:12, 28)

How many times have you heard the song, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” this month? I am sure it’s playing right now in department stores and malls. “Have yourself a merry little Christmas. Let your heart be light From now on, our troubles will be out of sight. Have yourself a merry little Christmas, Make the Yule-tide gay, From now on, our troubles will be miles away.” This is a feel-good song that appeals to many people simply because it’s so benign. There is no mention of God, Jesus Christ, or his birth. But as I was studying for this devotion, I came across a mention of the hymn, “Jesus Shall Reign.” Stanza four specifically relates to the idea of a righteous people, who are free, open, and cherished. “The weary find eternal rest, And all the sons of want are blest.” Jesus Christ came to earth to die for us by imputing his righteousness to the elect for the increase of his kingdom and his glory. Our passage contrasts this to a time when influential wicked people make the righteous want to hide until those evil rulers are gone and righteousness can increase again. 

I also came across Psalm 72, about Solomon (most probably) continuing David’s reign as the king of justice and righteousness. “Give the king your justice, O God, and your righteousness to the royal son! May he judge your people with righteousness, and your poor with justice! Let the mountains bear prosperity for the people, and the hills, in righteousness! May he defend the cause of the poor of the people, give deliverance to the children of the needy, and crush the oppressor!…In his days may the righteous flourish, and peace abound, till the moon be no more!” On this side of the cross, we can’t help but think of Jesus Christ, as he is described in Isaiah 9: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder…Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore.” (Isaiah 9:6-7) Timothy and Kathy Keller write, “Only if you have experienced life in a country in which the state is corrupt and the rule of law has failed can you appreciate the blessing of good government…God is…deeply concerned about these things…[Psalm 72] provokes us to long for a better king than the best government has ever provided.” *

Here is an encouragement to look forward to the righteous rule of Christ in his second incarnation as we celebrate his first. Now is the day of God’s favor and the continuous imputation of Christ’s righteousness to the elect—a day of rejoicing for us.

* Keller, Timothy with Kathy Keller, “The Songs of Jesus,” Psalm 72:1-7, page 163 (June 12), Viking, New York, 2015

We Need Jesus Because We Are Deceitful

“Do they not go astray who devise evil? Those who devise good meet steadfast love and faithfulness. In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty. The crown of the wise is their wealth, but the folly of fools brings folly. A truthful witness saves lives, but one who breathes out lies is deceitful. In the fear of the Lord one has strong confidence, and his children will have a refuge. The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, that one may turn away from the snares of death.” (Proverbs 14:22-27)

Sometimes when I am tired and have something pleasant that needs to be done, I push my way through it; I may even forget that I am tired. Other times, when I feel weary but am doing something unpleasant but needful, I reluctantly work at the task with a disagreeable attitude and feel more tired every moment. My physical therapist is wise to engage in interesting discussions with me as I work through the swelling and pain, to keep me distracted. After meals, I walk around the halls just a little and feel horrible. But later, getting out of the shower, I had little trouble blow drying my hair as I stood on that same knee that hurt so much before. I deceive myself, thinking that the pain is greater when the task is unpleasant. How many times each day do we delude ourselves? Do we unconsciously believe life is easy when it is acceptable, but hard when our circumstances are disagreeable? Is God only using us when others complement our efforts or praise our accomplishments, or are we equally (or even more useful) when someone is unhappy with our witness or disagrees with our biblical theology? 

This passage from Proverbs 14 speaks to the sin nature of every human being. We go astray, devise evil (pridefully and vainly), talk casually, engage in folly because we are fools who lie, and venture too far from the Lord, the giver of life. Here are many reasons why we need the grace of Jesus Christ. Only through his Spirit can we know and devise what is good with love and faithfulness. Only with faith in the Son can we talk about what we truly know and refrain from boasts and empty promises. With the help of Jesus, our work for him and others bears profit and crowns us with wisdom. In him, we are truthful witnesses, used to warn and guide others into eternal life with confidence. Our children find a refuge in his Word, and his life-giving water saves them from eternal thirst by his grace and power. “In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence…Such who fear the Lord may be confident that he has a love to them, a delight in them; that his eye is upon them, and his heart towards them; and will communicate every needful good to them, and protect and defend them.” *

Will you delight in Jesus, whom you need today?

* John Gill’s Exposition on the Whole Bible, Proverbs 14:26 https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/geb/proverbs-14.html

We Need Jesus Because We are Stupid

“The man declares, I am weary, O God; I am weary, O God, and worn out. Surely I am too stupid to be a man. I have not the understanding of a man. I have not learned wisdom, nor have I knowledge of the Holy One.” (Proverbs 30:1-3)

Yesterday a twenty-five-year-old TV actor posted a depressing message on his Instagram account that has attracted international media attention. And last night, a twenty-four-year-old techie game developer was found dead in his NYC apartment (but the cause of his death has not been reported). These are disturbing events, but certainly not unique in the world, since over 151,000 people die every day and over 16 million adults in the U.S.A. had a depressive event in 2018. (1, 2) Sometimes I get weary about being fed the news that the media wants me to have, and wonder if the world is becoming more and more stupid as a result of this phenomena. However, according to Proverbs 30:1-3, the way the world views and reports the condition of humankind is not the cause for our stupidity but a reflection of it. Human idiocy has its root in godlessness. 

Usually, Scriptural proclamations of wisdom begin with the writer’s acquisition of learning, as the reason to pay attention to what he will say. However, in this case, Azur (possibly Solomon) declares that he has not become wise at all, but is ignorant and tired of even attempting to gain knowledge. His “series of rhetorical questions [is] meant to indicate the limitations on human perception and achievement. Like the questions of God in Job 38-39, these questions point to things that only God can do; silent reverence is the only proper human response. (3) “Who has ascended to heaven and come down? Who has gathered the wind in his fists? Who has wrapped up the waters in a garment? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is his name, and what is his son’s name? Surely you know!” (Proverbs 30:4)

It is senseless and reckless to assume that we know something about that which is beyond our understanding. To think I know why the young man was found dead without medical data is ridiculous. And yet, we assume that we know what God is doing in our lives, and the lives of others more often than we admit our ignorance and inability to grasp his mysterious, incomprehensible will. This week, leading up to Christmas, I will be focusing on reasons why we need Jesus Christ, as revealed in some of our wisdom literature. One reason we desperately need our Savior is our inability to gain wisdom without him. “The more enlightened people are, the more they lament their ignorance; the more they pray for clearer, still clearer discoveries of God, and his rich grace in Christ Jesus. In verse 4, there is a prophetic notice of Him who came down from heaven to be our Instructor and Savior, and then ascended into heaven to be our Advocate.” (4) Jesus proclaimed, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32) Trust in Jesus Christ by God’s work in our hearts results in freedom from the prison of pride, ignorance, self-righteousness, and stupidity. 

This week we can either proceed merrily on our ways into the Christmas hype and climax, eating, partying, decorating, and buying presents without thinking about why we even needed Jesus to be born. Or, we can remember that we desperately need his saving grace, mercy, and light to live wisely and honorable toward God. Which will it be?

(1) Information on deaths was found at https://www.quora.com/How-many-people-die-in-a-day-on-average-worldwide

(2) The statistic on depression was found at https://www.healthline.com/health/depression/facts-statistics-infographic#1

(3) ESV Study Bible Notes, Proverbs 30:1-4, (digital edition), Crossway, 2008.

(4) Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible, Proverbs 30:1-6, https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-concise/proverbs/30.html

 Remembering the Gospel as We Worship Today

I live with people who are older and usually do not remember what happened yesterday, or perhaps even what happened a few hours ago. Maybe you also spend a good deal of time with an elderly relative who would like to remember details, but can’t. There are some things I think I remember and then realize that my memory is skewed toward whatever is convenient. Did my knee hurt this much the last time I had surgery? Did I really say that? Where did I put those nice gloves I bought eight months ago? Some details (like these) are forgettable, but others should never be forgotten. The gospel should always be remembered, because it is the truth about God, us, and our relationship. On Tuesday I wrote about the importance of remembering God’s truths during our trials. (James 1:12) In March we examined the importance of remembering who we are as described in Scripture and compared with the Lord. Tonight let’s focus on acting on what is in Scripture, and especially the gospel, to find blessing in doing so. 

“If we heard a sermon every day of the week, and an angel from heaven were the preacher, yet, if we rested in hearing only, it would never bring us to heaven. Mere hearers are self-deceivers, and self-deceit will be found the worst deceit at last. If we flatter ourselves, it is our own fault; the truth, as it is in Jesus, flatters no man…Our sins are the spots the law discovers: Christ’s blood is the laver the gospel shows. But in vain do we hear God’s word, and look into the gospel glass, if we go away, and forget our spots, instead of washing them off; and forget our remedy, instead of applying to it.” * The Bible excuses no one for neglecting Holy Scripture, which James may consider the perfect law of liberty, or the gospel, which is the irresistible grace of God that cannot be ignored or thwarted when applied to an individual’s heart. (See Romans 3:27-31.)

Perhaps James’s short exposition on obedience in verse 25 is intentional in its progression (at least by the Holy Spirit, if not by the apostle). First, we look into Scripture and the gospel, then we are strengthened to persevere, next we are doers, acting on what we have learned, and finally, we are blessed in our doing. Our prideful sin nature makes us think we have studied the gospel and understood it, but then, failing to see ourselves clearly (as prideful, independent beings), we are unable to persevere under trials, do what we know we ought, and miss many blessings. 

As we worship today, let us enter God’s house with humility, yielding to his grace and mercy, rather than as those who think we already know who to seek his truth and help. How often we have heard it said that the church is for the sick and sinners, but will we consider ourselves to be those? “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children…All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:25-30) Is this the Christ we are worshipping today and the person who needs him?

* Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible, James 1:22-25 https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/mhn/james-1.html

The Blessing of Integrity 

“The righteous who walks in his integrity— blessed are his children after him!” (Proverbs 20:7)

Can you name three people whom you would describe as having integrity?  Furthermore, do you know people who had parents who had integrity? Honesty and reliability may be considered old-fashioned values today, but God never has and will never devalue integrity of character, in believers or unbelievers. “Transparent integrity makes one trustworthy and endows him with a good reputation.” (1) Honesty that comes from the heart of a peacemaker is no exclusive to believers. In his commentary on Jonah, Timothy Keller found this commentary about the sailors on the ship with Jonah: “…believers are to respect and learn from the wisdom God gives to those who don’t believe. The pagan sailors [in Jonah 1:5-11] provide a graphic portrayal of what theologians have called “common grace…,” hope, justice, and integrity reside not with Jonah…but with the captain and the sailors…Though blameless victims, the sailors never cry injustice. Finding themselves in a dangerous situation not of their making, they seek to solve it for the good of all. Never do they wallow in self-pity, berate an angry god…condemn an arbitrary world, target the culprit Jonah for vengeance, or promote violence as an answer.” (2) 

I am afraid that Christians (including me) sometimes think they alone are wise and right. However, God, in his general grace, gives much wisdom to others; believers should be the first to recognize and appreciate it. In Jonah’s case, he wisely submitted to the sailor’s question, “What shall we do to you, that the sea may quiet down for us?” For the sea grew more and more tempestuous.” (v. 11) Jonah then took responsibility for the trouble he was causing  them by his deceit and rebelliousness. As a result, the sailors then cried out to Jonah’s God rather than to other gods. “O Lord, let us not perish for this man’s life, and lay not on us innocent blood, for you, O Lord, have done as it pleased you.” (Jonah 1:14)

When Christians recognize the way God works through non-Christians, and in fact through everyone and everything in the world, we begin to see as biblically—so that all who are around us will benefit, even those who are caught up in our unsuccessful schemes to reject God’s plans for us through self-deception or fear. By submitting to God’s wisdom in others our children and friends see that honesty and ourselves and integrity in our relationships will bless everyone. Job had great integrity. (Job 27:1-6). Job’s friend, Eliphaz, knew Job intimately and asked him “Is not your fear of God your confidence, and the integrity of your ways your hope?” (Job 4:6) David wrote, “May integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for you.” (Psalms 25:21)

As you interact with others during this Christmas season, will you look for and encourage those with integrity, who wish to do what is best, blessing everyone? With each interaction with others, we have an opportunity to be honest, reliable, and trustworthy. How can you be this person?

(1) Brownback, Lydia. Proverbs: A 12-Week Study, Location 975, Crossway. Kindle Edition.

(2) Keller, Timothy, The Prodigal Prophet: Jonah and the Mystery of God’s Mercy(p. 39), Penguin Publishing Group, Kindle Edition, 2018.

 The Blessing of an Honest Answer

“Whoever says to the wicked, ‘You are in the right,’ will be cursed by peoples, abhorred by nations, but those who rebuke the wicked will have delight, and a good blessing will come upon them. Whoever gives an honest answer kisses the lips.” (Proverbs 24:24-26)

Today’s Devotion could just as well be titled,” Writing Your Own Devotion” since this is the task I give you.  I have often thought that those who write devotions are wiser than those who read others’ writings. Simply put, writing your own requires that you work out the meaning of words and phrases, how they relate to each other and your life. Verse 26’s comparison to the most intimate expression of friendship (a kiss on the lips) highlights the value of a just and right answer.” (1) And the ESV Study Bible Notes comments: The Hebrew phrase translated kisses the lips is found only here in the OT…It is either an act of homage (e.g., those who have not kissed Baal, 1 Kings 19:18) or an act of affection (e.g., Esau kissed Jacob upon their meeting, Gen. 33:4)…Either sense fits the verse well in that an honest answer treats the other person involved with both respect and affection (note the appeals to honest speech in the surrounding text, Prov. 24:23–25, 28-29).” (2) Where will you do with these two ideas? Will you examine how they may fit your life, your patterns of behavior, and your habits?

I confess that the idea to write your devotion is entirely self-serving. I looked up the references yesterday, barely able to concentrate while taking powerful pain medication. Then, today, I was unable to concentrate at all, perhaps due to a buildup of the same drug. As the day went on, and my fog continued, I was moved from the hospital to a rehab facility, required to sign paperwork, got myself a little organized, made a couple of phone calls about an incomplete prescription, had two visitors, had physical therapy and was expect to eat both lunch and dinner. So now instead of being in a medication fog, I am in a pain fog with no relief from pain medication for a couple of hours and no hope of pulling together a devotion when all I am thinking about it medication that I don’t have. If I do receive the prescription later, I will probably not be thinking clearly enough to write anything cohesive.

So please help yourself to what I consider to be one of the best disciplines for studying the Bible—writing a Word to yourself for your own benefit. I think you may be surprised by the gain in doing so. 

Here is one more verse for your consideration, “Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.” (Psalm  2:12)

(1) Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible, Proverbs 24:26, https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-concise/proverbs/24.html

 (2)ESV BibleStudy Notes, Proverbs 24:26, ESV Study Bible Notes, (digital edition), Crossway, 2008.

The Lord Makes Us Rich

“The blessing of the Lord makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.” (Proverbs 10:22)

I had an interesting conversation with an acquaintance today about the creation of the world according to Genesis 1:1-3. We did not agree about the time that may or may not have elapsed between verses 1 and 2, and I was determined to focus on what we did agree about: God created the world, sustains the world, and has a plan for the world. As I approached Proverbs 10:22 I spent some time lost in wondering how to interpret the verse because I was looking too closely. I needed to get the big picture, as I had done earlier with my friend. Rather than wonder how the Lord makes us rich, without sorrow, let’s agree that it is the Lord who gives wealthy people the opportunities to become rich. This is our starting point—God’s sovereignty over wealth, personalities, talents, skills, and gifts. “You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth, that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your fathers, as it is this day.” (Deuteronomy 8:18)

When we view wealth as given by God for his purposes, there is less attachment to it as a means of security or possession of great earthly prizes. “Riches enjoyed through the blessing of God are not attended with that sorrow in getting, keeping, and losing them, as the riches of wicked men unlawfully gotten are…for as the good man comes by them easily, without any anxious care and sinful solicitude, he seeking the kingdom of God and his righteousness, all these things are added to him, over and above, without much thought about them, or expectation of them (Matthew 6:33); so it is with great delight, pleasure, and cheerfulness, he enjoys them, and readily communicates them to others; while the wicked man is full of anxiety, distress, and sorrow [with relation to his wealth].” *

Job was a man of great wealth but did not ask God to return his home, herds, or servants when he lost them all, along with his family. Job wanted vindication, which he received. He did not ask the Lord to return his possessions, but God did so when Job proved himself to be faithful. It takes an especially strong faith not to seek reimbursement primarily when our property is destroyed by natural causes, let alone by an unexplained, supernatural event. I can only imagine that Job held onto his wealth very lightly, knowing God as the source of it, treasuring the Lord more than any of his possessions. 

How will our lives look if we love God more than our health? When we lose our health, will we accept our circumstance without having any sorrow added to it? What about loving God more than our children, who may live their lives in a way that feels like a betrayal of all we have taught them? How about loving God more than our Christmas trees, lights, presents, and parties? If all our Christmas traditions and glam were all to be taken away, will we be sorrowful or still feel blessed? 

* John Gill’s Exposition on the Whole Bible, Proverbs 10:22, https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/geb/proverbs-10.html

Blessed to Be a Blessing

“Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered. The people curse him who holds back grain, but a blessing is on the head of him who sells it…Whoever has a bountiful eye will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor.”  (Proverbs 11:25-26; 22:9)

I never was good at receiving material gifts, but I am getting better at it the older I become. I believe that this is because I enjoy giving to others, and therefore appreciate that people enjoy giving gifts to me at appropriate times. Recently I encouraged a Christian friend who loves to give her time and love to others, to allow others to contribute to a material need, rather than deny them the same opportunity that she enjoys. One of the most quoted verses in the Bible is from Acts 20:35, “…we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” The joy of giving is a blessing that inspires and teaches us to receive joyfully from others who also enjoy giving. Blessings abound when people are giving to others. Perhaps that is why Giving Tuesday after Thanksgiving has become so popular—and isn’t it encouraging that so many people use that opportunity to make meaningful contributions to so many good causes?

In the Proverbs passages, the one giving is described as bringing blessings, watering, selling and sharing with an eye toward those in need. It is unlikely that we would naturally combine these four actions into one cohesive idea. However all four verbs carry with them the meaning of helping or providing for someone. They do not address the “how” of giving; they are not necessarily all sacrificial or self-denying, since selling probably benefits the seller, although some merchants may choose to sell below cost to help some. But they all add something to someone, whether that something is general, like blessings, or specific, like fresh water for a thirsty soul or a farmer’s dry crops. “We must not hoard up the gifts of God’s bounty, merely for our own advantage.” (1) 

As a result of blessing, watering, selling, or sharing, the giver is him or herself enriched, watered, and blessed. When I read these verses over to myself, I wasn’t sure about the source of the blessing to the giver, and now I am not sure it matters since all blessings ultimately come from the Lord. “The soul that [doesn’t] merely pray for a blessing upon others, and wish them well, and give them good words; but bestows blessings on them, gives good things unto them liberally, cheerfully, and plentifully; and so is a blessing to the poor, and receives a blessing from them again.” I think the Reformation Study Bible makes an excellent point that can serve as the principle of this devotion: “Our own well-being is bound up with that of others so that what we do for their good benefits us as well.” (3) Rather than concentrate on how you or I may benefit as individuals because of our giving or someone else’s, let’s remember that we are one body in the Lord, created for community and interdependence. 

Are you willing to spend time with your church body this season, encouraging and helping each other and your church neighbors? How will we share in the blessings of Christmas for a more consistent pattern of blessing each other through the season?

(1) Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible, Proverbs 11:26, https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-concise/proverbs/11.html

(2) John Gill’s Exposition on the Whole Bible, Proverbs 11:25, https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/geb/proverbs-11.html

(3) The Reformation Study Bible, Proverbs 22:9, Reformation Trust Publishing (Ligonier Ministries), Sanford, Fl., 2015.