Divine Wisdom for Daily Living by Joanne Colvin

“The rich and the poor meet together; the Lord is the Maker of them all…Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker, but he who is generous to the needy honors him…Whoever oppresses the poor to increase his own wealth, or gives to the rich, will only come to poverty.” (Proverbs 14:31; 22:2, 16)

“‘And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’” (Matthew 25:38-40)

Have you ever met a destitute person, who without help would not eat their next meal or have clothing to wear? If you are comfortable, can you imagine being born into poverty? If you are poor, imagine what it would be like to grow up in a family where all your needs were met without asking for help. Today let’s consider God’s sovereign and rightful determination that some of us are born into wealth, some into a comfortable middle-class economy, some into borderline poverty, and others into extreme scarcity. The Lord has his reasons for our predestination. “In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory.” (Ephesians 1:11-12) No matter what our material birthright, we have a more significant, permanent inheritance in Christ.

So what are we to do about the fact that there are so many needy among us? Proverbs and Matthew answer the question: do not oppress the poor, be generous, welcome the stranger, clothe them and visit them when they are in prison. Proverbs teaches us that oppression of the poor is an insult to God who created us all. Mocking, criticizing, using, or punishing those who are impoverished by circumstance is a great offense to the Lord. In contrast, having tender mercy on those who are in need and are made in the image of God honors and serves the Lord. The rich and the poor come together, perhaps in the way that the poor seek help from wealthy folks, or maybe because the Lord created us all. Here is a picture of dependence, one upon another. The poor may be dependent upon others for their material wellbeing, but the wealthy are dependent upon the poor for their spiritual prosperity as they fulfill their obligation to assist them. Those who are wealthy also have a need for minimally educated staff to help maintain their homes and businesses; many missionaries and expatriates employ staff in their homes as a means to assist them with dignity. Of course, the poor and the rich meet at the throne of grace and the foot of the cross, in Christ’s mercy, where earthly treasures are irrelevant. God’s generosity there will surpass all human benevolence.

How do you exalt God with your generosity and compassion for the poor, who deserve our honor and respect? What more can you do to meet together with your needy brothers and sisters in Christ?

“From the time that I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah, from the twentieth year to the thirty-second year of Artaxerxes the king, twelve years, neither I nor my brothers ate the food allowance of the governor. The former governors who were before me laid heavy burdens on the people and took from them for their daily ration forty shekels of silver. Even their servants lorded it over the people. But I did not do so, because of the fear of God.” (Nehemiah 5:14-15)

“Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.” (1 Peter 2:16)

“For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’” (Galatians 5:13-14)

Today Americans celebrate our national Independence Day. But there is an even more important liberty that we should celebrate. Christian liberty is a principle that all believers should understand, embrace, and live, however imperfectly in our sanctification. Sinclair Ferguson, in an article titled “4 Principles for the Exercise of Christian Liberty” wrote, “Christian liberty requires grasping the principle that will produce this true biblical balance: ‘We … ought … not to please ourselves…. For even Christ did not please himself’ (Rom. 15:1-3)…True Christian liberty, unlike the various “freedom” or “liberation” movements of the secular world, is not a matter of demanding the ‘rights’ we have…The Christian realizes that before God he or she possesses no “rights” by nature. In our sinfulness, we have forfeited all of our ‘rights.’ Only when we recognize that we do not deserve our “rights” can we properly exercise them as privileges. Sensitivity to others in the church, especially weaker others, depends on this sense of our own unworthiness.” *

Now, when we read the passage from Nehemiah, we may be struck with the realization that as the Governor of Jerusalem he embraced and lived out Christian liberty, not wanting to offend God by oppressing the poor, even if it meant using what was ‘rightfully’ his. If I work and earn an income based on the number of hours I have worked, the contract I have negotiated, or the sales I have completed, do I not have a right to use that money as I wish? Christian liberty says that we care more about the good of others than about our rights. The Christian who practices godly stewardship seeks to help those in need even at the cost of giving up something for him or herself. We love others as we want to be loved. This is the opposite of living for ourselves, justifying how we spend our money in the interests of our worldly desires.

Generosity of spirit moves us to be generous with our possessions. The Lord is generous with his grace, mercy, protection, and help and so we reflect his love by giving freely to others, rather than hoarding and protecting our own interests.

How will you celebrate your Christian liberty today? He gave up his very life that we would have the “right to become children of God” (John 1:12). What are you willing to give up?

 

* https://www.ligonier.org/blog/4-principles-exercise-christian-liberty/

“As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.” (1 Timothy 6:17-19)

Where do you store things that you are not using and haven’t used in the last year? Do you have stuff in your attic or a storage unit that you are keeping without a specific reason? Saving furniture for the kids to use when they get their first apartment is a reason for keeping it. But many of us have things that we don’t need, don’t use, and won’t need in the future. So why do we keep these things? Materialism can become a religion when we put too much emphasis on material possessions and implied security.

1 Timothy 6 is addressed to the wealthy, but I think that this is also the best advice for the poor, who may spend their days thinking about what they do not have. None of us should set our hopes on wealth, which is uncertain. One of the mistakes Christians make is to trust in God’s gifts and blessings more than in God himself.  Material wealth pales in comparison to God’s grace and presence in our lives. As usual, the gospel view turns the secular view upside-down; instead of rejoicing and trusting in great possessions, our possessions can become a hindrance to our rejoicing and trusting in God. As long as we are focused on what we can get, we cannot focus on what we can give away. It’s one or the other; we’re either takers or givers. When reading Paul’s proclamation that God who richly provides for us everything to enjoy, we could easily picture a child with hands outstretched receiving an abundance of goodness to overflowing.

As we receive from God, we should be ready to give to others, so that they may receive from us, investing in our future together, our treasure in heaven. Holding onto wealth or power to have a superior life, will prove fleeting. No matter how we plan and save and work, only God knows what circumstances may occur that will wreck our plans. Unexpected injuries and illnesses, spouses who are unfaithful, siblings who become addicted to drugs or alcohol, daughters who become pregnant while in their teens, or sons who end up in jail are only a few of the problems that money cannot solve. However, the costly forgiveness of Christ and the peace that comes with his intercession is a treasure that will yield transformation and transcendence beyond the world’s temporary advantages.

Are you storing up treasure for yourself in Christ or grasping at what the world offers, knowing it is fleeting? Or are you giving to others generously and wisely, being rich in good works?

“One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want…Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner, but blessed is he who is generous to the poor…Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.” (Proverbs 11:24; 14:21; 19:17)

Generosity is a subject that we don’t hear much about these days, so I thought we would benefit from meditating on it this week. Unselfishness, open-handedness, and kindness are characteristics that God gives humans alone. That being so, we have a particular responsibility to demonstrate charitableness to glorify God. Scripture clearly and frequently teaches that God expects us to care for those in need, with respect, since they, like us, are made in the image of God. In James 2:5-10 the apostle reminds believers that we are to show justice to all, rather than show favoritism to the wealthy. However, our greatest bias is usually not toward others who are rich, but toward ourselves. We often put our needs and ourselves first, to live a lifestyle that is comfortable and enjoyable.

Today, most individuals and families are spending up to 50% of their income on food as a result of choosing to eat out rather than eat at home. The type of food bought for consumption at home also affects family budgets, as consumers purchase more expensive, prepared convenience foods over raw meats and vegetables. By doing so, people are consciously choosing to spend their available cash on their food (and entertainment, sports, lottery tickets, etc.) instead of giving to those who are less fortunate.

The three verses from Proverbs point to three benefits of sharing with the poor; those who do will grow richer, they will be blessed, and they will be repaid by the Lord. Many charismatic preachers mistakenly use Proverbs 11:24 to justify asking their congregants for financial support beyond their means. However, God’s justice requires that we help the poor, not exploit or oppress them. “It is well with the man who deals generously and lends; who conducts his affairs with justice…He has distributed freely; he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever; his horn is exalted in honor.” (Psalm 112:5, 9) The riches and honor that we obtain from our generosity are those that only God can give, of his wisdom, peace, and righteousness.

Proverbs 14:21 rebukes those who hate their neighbors as sinners who will not be blessed. We know from Jesus’s teaching on the parable of the good Samaritan in Luke 10:36 that a true neighbor is one who is merciful to the poor; he is blessed with contentment and generosity. The idea presented in Proverbs 19:17 may seem enigmatic at first but upon reflection is logical. When we serve God’s people, we are serving him, and as such our service is a gift to God, as if giving (loaning) to him that which he has given us as stewards, and will return to us in one form or another.

Our generosity as stewards in this life will prepare us for the greatest reward in our future lives. When Jesus presents us with a crown of life (Rev. 2:10), we will delight in returning it to him, the One who rightfully deserves it.

How generous will you be today with your time, energy, love, mercy, money, and care?

“And I will give them one heart, and a new spirit I will put within them. I will remove the heart of stone from their flesh and give them a heart of flesh, that they may walk in my statutes and keep my rules and obey them. And they shall be my people, and I will be their God.” (Ezekiel 11:19-20)

God does a great work in the hearts of Christian, by his generous love and mercy, to bring us to know Christ, the extent of our sin, and his merciful forgiveness. If God were not generous with his grace and mercy, we would still be his enemies, living for ourselves, and lost in an endless cycle of seeking and grasping at that which would give us fulfillment. However, we are made new creatures in Christ, and as such, we are united to him with the same generosity of grace and mercy through the Holy Spirit. In his commentary on Ezekiel 11:19, John Gill says, “This is a new frame and disposition of mind, in which are new principles of light and life, grace and holiness; a new understanding of themselves and state, of God and of Christ, of divine things and Gospel truths; new affections for God, and all that is good; new desires after grace and righteousness, after God and communion with him, after his word and ordinances, and conformity to Christ; new purposes and resolutions to serve the Lord, and glorify him; new delights and joys, and in short all things become new.” * We once were takers, hoarders of goodness with hearts of stone, but now we are made new, with generous hearts and wallets.

In the early church, there was such unity of Spirit in Christ that the new believers took care of each other. “There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.” (Acts 4:34-35) This kind of generosity sounds radical to us because we have become accustomed to caring for ourselves independently, and are told continuously by the world doing so should be our primary concern. Worldly thinking is directly opposed to biblical principles. When our hearts are split between taking care of ourselves and helping others, we are fragmented in our loyalties, disjointed in our fellowship, and divided in our care for the Body of Christ.

But God’s Word teaches us to: “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble” (Matthew 6:33-34). The early Christians did not give up all their possessions but shared what they could without losing what was necessary to live. They did so because “great grace was upon them all” (Acts 4:33). Our generosity with finances and possessions starts with our thankfulness for what Christ has done and continues to do for us and others, as his grace works in our hearts. The generosity of Christ, who “though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich,” is at work in us (2 Corinthians 8:9).

Today, as you attend church services, consider the generosity of the Lord toward you. He has not given you only enough grace for your own needs but abundantly provides so that you can share out of his generosity. Paul writes, “…as a matter of fairness your abundance at the present time should supply their need, so that their abundance may supply your need, that there may be fairness” (2 Corinthians 8:13b-14).

* https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/gills-exposition-of-the-bible/ezekiel-11-19.html

“Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation. God settles the solitary in a home.” (Psalm 68:5-6a)

“Honor widows who are truly widows. But if a widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show godliness to their own household and to make some return to their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God. But if a widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show godliness to their own household and to make some return to their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God. She who is truly a widow, left all alone, has set her hope on God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day, but she who is self-indulgent is dead even while she lives. Command these things as well, so that they may be without reproach. But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. Let a widow be enrolled if she is not less than sixty years of age, having been the wife of one husband, and having a reputation for good works: if she has brought up children, has shown hospitality, has washed the feet of the saints, has cared for the afflicted, and has devoted herself to every good work.” (1 Timothy 5:3-10)

Widows are singled out by the Lord as a group of women who need special care and consideration. The number and frequency of unmarried women in biblical times were far less than it is now; today single unmarried, divorced, and widowed women make up a more significant proportion of the population. However, God’s Word is not to be discounted when we talk about the need for caring for widows. They deserve our help, loyalty, respect, and honor. God gave Naomi a family, through Ruth and Boaz, when she returned to Bethlehem as a widow. When Jesus was dying on the cross, he instructed John to be a son to his mother, Mary, also a widow. The prophetess Anna, having been a widow for many years, dedicated her life to worship, prayer, and fasting at the temple. She was rewarded for her devotion by recognizing Jesus as the promised Messiah (Luke 2:37-38).

In his first letter to Timothy, Paul told the church to revere widows, probably referring to the honor of financially supporting widows who were truly in need. He instructed families to care for widows before expecting the church to care for them. It will please the parent (and widow) when children respectfully help them. Throughout the ages, the family’s care for widows has changed; today many families choose the option of assisted care living facilities where the staff is trained in caring for the elderly. Some facilities do this exceedingly well—women are respected, included in decision-making, and given essential roles and interesting activities. The criteria for knowing if the church should support a widow is precise in 1 Timothy 5:9-10. These women have served God and others honorably and responsibly. In developed nations not many churches need to give these women financial support, but in the majority world, they may not survive without it.

The disciples in the early church saw the need to appoint men to serve Christian widows, and so should we (Acts 6:1-3). Are there widows in your church who are in need? If not, will you not seek and pray for an opportunity to serve other widows in need?

“You shall not mistreat any widow or fatherless child. If you do mistreat them, and they cry out to me, I will surely hear their cry, and my wrath will burn, and I will kill you with the sword, and your wives shall become widows and your children fatherless.” (Exodus 22:22-24)

“I was in my prime, when the friendship of God was upon my tent… I delivered the poor who cried for help, and the fatherless who had none to help him…I was a father to the needy, and I searched out the cause of him whom I did not know.” (Job 29:4, 12, 16)

“A righteous man knows the rights of the poor; a wicked man does not understand such knowledge.” (Proverbs 29:7)

If statistics are right from various organizations, there are over one-hundred fifty million orphans in the world today, about two percent of the world’s population, due to disease, wars, and natural causes. God loves children and desires that we love them, including those who have been left without parents or other family members. The Israelites, who were oppressed in Egypt, were not to oppress others, but to be disposed to help them. Solomon saw great oppression in his time and lamented that no one seemed to be supporting the oppressed. Job reminisced about his former life, before Satan attacked him and robbed him of his children, home, servants, crops, and health, when he blessed those in his life and community. Job’s righteous life is a model of obedience to God’s statutes set forth for Israel in the wilderness—to search out the cause and case of those who needed help and provide them assistance. Proverbs calls us to know the rights of the poor, ostensibly to help them. The most vulnerable poor in our society are undoubtedly those who are without parents or other family members to care for them.

There is an overwhelming need for orphan care in the majority world, but most governments are moving away from institutional care to family fostering. I was and continue to be involved with the Rafiki Foundation, which offers very high-quality care in an institutional setting, but inclusive of family values. A tremendous advantage to this care is the Christian worldview held by the staff and taught to all the children. Job did his best parenting when he felt God’s friendship; his relationship with the Lord was the basis for all of his other relationships. Job modeled God’s fatherhood by being a father to those who had none to care for them. He investigated their cases when there was no advantage to him, just as Rafiki and other childcare ministries do. All families should do the same, so I cannot argue with governments that stress care for orphans by families.

Since some of us don’t come into contact with orphans directly, there are many means by which we can “investigate” their needs and those who care for them, to support them with prayer and financial sponsorship. Some websites provide monetary and administrative information about the organizations that care for orphans, and I strongly suggest that you familiarize yourself with them. This is general information that all Christians can access when it is needed. Two of the best are The Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ecfa.org) and Charity Navigator  (charitynavigator.org). Be aware, though that some of these services charge fees which charities do not want to pay, preferring to use their funds for direct services to children.

How do you show concern for orphans? Isn’t it time that you do?

“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors…For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” (Matthew 6:9-12, 14-15)

“What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,’ without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” (James 2:14-17)

Christians are forgiven sinners who are called to forgive and help those who have descended into poverty and self-destruction by their sin. Rather than enable them to continue in their bad habits and choices, we forgive, teach, pray, and provide for them. Christian rehab centers, crisis pregnancy centers, and counseling are examples of how some help both believers and unbelievers to know Christ and thereby be transformed into new creatures who have the Holy Spirit to help them overcome the destructive effects of this world. Jesus knew that many of the Jewish Pharisees were self-righteous and judgmental. Therefore he taught them that men’s sins must be forgiven, whether or not they were repentant or seeking forgiveness. Our forgiveness for others is indicative of our appreciation and thankfulness for God’s forgiveness of our sins, and his help to reform our lives.

James expounds on the need for our works or deeds toward others to reflect the faith Jesus Christ has given us. The basis for James’s philosophy is the doctrine that our faith is a gift from God, not something that is generated or created by our effort. “And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience—among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved…And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:1-5, 9-10)

Christian workers in rehab clinics and crisis centers need much prayer and encouragement, as well as financial support and rest. I worked in a twenty-four-hour crisis intervention center when I was younger, and will never forget the emotional drain of the work. The only relief comes when clients recognize their need for forgiveness, and they and their counselors turn to Christ. But even those who don’t come to repentance need material and spiritual help, and especially forgiveness while they are still enemies of Jesus.

How do you help and support those who are reaching out to the most troubled in crisis?

 

“We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints—and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us.” (2 Corinthians 8:1-5)

As we continue to consider the different causes of poverty, we will examine another case that is by choice rather than from outside forces. Yesterday we reflected on poverty that comes upon individuals due to their own sinful choices and slothfulness. But there is another category of folks who choose to receive less income for the good of others: ministers, preachers, missionaries, and other religious and humanitarian workers often choose to work for a meager salary or stipend. Many but certainly not all of these servants depend upon gifts and contributions from individuals, churches, and organizations.

When giving to unpaid workers, it is important to take into consideration how they view your gifts and spend your money. I chose the passage from 2 Corinthians because it reflects Paul’s appreciation for the financial contributions of those who were poor, as he was writing to those who had more. The Macedonians gave out of their poverty; the Corinthians were to give out of their wealth. As a missionary serving in Africa, I was fully supported for sixteen years without any gaps in my support, by the grace of God and the generosity of his people. This was a tremendous confirmation and encouragement for me. Some of my donors gave by making significant sacrifices, and others chose to give to my work rather than give to others. Regardless, I felt it was vital to be super-diligent about how I spent their money, which was God’s money that they were stewards of, for his glory.

Many needy folks in the majority world have no hesitation to ask for help; they may tell you outright that they need funds for basic living expenses, and it is evident that they do. Missionaries and community workers with soft hearts will have a hard time saying no, but it’s necessary that they do. I recommend two books for those who need help in this area: “When Helping Hurts” by Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert, and “Helping Without Hurting in Church Benevolence” by Steve Corbett. The workers you support must be able to discern which needs are the ones best addressed by others because they do not directly relate to the worker’s role. Otherwise, he or she will be stretched very thin and lose focus, which we call mission creep.

Another vital aspect of importance when supporting workers is their belief, doctrine, biblical knowledge, and tactics. I know some missionaries who are very pushy about getting new supporters and contacts, to the point of violating privacy and respectfulness. Dignity in fundraising reflects a worker’s beliefs about God’s sovereignty and calling—if he believes that faith in Christ is a result of works, he will probably expect to receive support as a result of his or her works. If he or she is humble and ready to admit their own need for personal growth and the benefit of serving the Lord, you will also grow as you support their service. Biblical character and maturity should be the most compelling reason for your financial support of that particular person, along with the work they are doing.

What do you know about the workers you or your church supports?

“The Lord does not let the righteous go hungry, but he thwarts the craving of the wicked. A slack hand causes poverty…Slothfulness casts into a deep sleep, and an idle person will suffer hunger…The sluggard does not plow in the autumn; he will seek at harvest and have nothing…The drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and slumber will clothe them with rags” (Proverbs 10:3-4a; 19:15; 20:4; 23:21)

“And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise answered, saying, ‘Since there will not be enough for us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.’” (Matthew 25:8-9)

There are different causes of poverty: natural disasters such as fires and floods, illness or injury leading to financial difficulties, loss of a family’s breadwinner or parents, lack of education, financial ruin, and self-inflicted troubles. Today we will examine our response to those who bring poverty on themselves since this is an entirely different situation from that of those who have suffered from circumstances beyond their control. Later this year we will examine slothfulness more closely, but it is essential to discern different reasons for poverty now.

Some people become destitute like the foolish virgins in the parable of the ten virgins, who expected others to provide for them, rather than buy their oil (Matthew 25:1-12). This parable’s primary lesson is that having a personal relationship with Christ is the only means of entering into the ultimate wedding feast of the Bridegroom. That being said, Jesus used an analogy relating to the real life of the people in the marketplace. Our faith and the faith of others is reflected in (not the result of) our expectations and willingness to apply ourselves to the work of this life diligently. The craving of the wicked may include alcohol and drug addiction, betting, investing heavily in a lottery, unrestrained spending on nonessentials, and gluttony that leads to obesity, illness, and slothfulness. The Proverbs verses teach that the one who is idle will go hungry; he or she has done nothing to provide for themselves, such as plowing a field, to later yield a harvest. “Sometimes [God] causes it to diminish by little and little; at other times he forcibly and suddenly drives it away, and causes it to take wings and fly away; though it has been swallowed down with great greediness, and in great abundance, he makes them throw it up again, and casts it out of their belly, whether they will or not, so that it does not profit them. That is either remiss in giving to the necessities of others, according to his abilities, and as cases require; or that is negligent and slothful in his business…who pretends to work, but does not; makes a show as if he did, but acts deceitfully; or who uses many tricking and deceitful ways and methods to live, as usually slothful persons do.” (1)

“This holds good in spiritual things; such who have been slothful and sluggish about their spiritual affairs, unconcerned for the grace of God, and indolent in the use of means, or performance of duty, will ask when too late, or of wrong persons, and shall not have it; as the foolish virgins ask oil of the wise, when the bridegroom is come.” (2)

Do you reward slothfulness and sin by giving to those who suffer by their sin? How might you be encouraging rather than teaching and disciplining those who expect something for nothing?

• Gill, John, on Proverbs 10:3, https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/gills-exposition-of-the-bible/proverbs-10-3.html
• Gill, John, on Proverbs 20:4, https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/gills-exposition-of-the-bible/proverbs-20-4.html