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I. THE CHARACTER OF THE LIBERAL MAN. "He deviseth liberal things." It is not said he doeth liberal things. This is implied. If he has the means, he has the heart and the will to practise large and wide liberality. There is a far greater expenditure both of mind and labour in devising, than in doing liberal things. It is an easy thing for one who has abundant wealth to give largely in aid of any scheme of philanthropy. But to originate and carry forward any plan for the improvement of mankind, requires much wisdom, and energy, and patience, and benevolence. The one is liberal; the other directs and stimulates the liberality of others. The one is as the hand, the other the mainspring of the watch. Of the multitude who cheerfully give, how few have the capacity to devise! And one intelligent head, conjoined with a benevolent heart, can open the purses of a whole community.

II. THE SECURITY OF THE LIBERAL MAN. "By liberal things shall he stand"; or, as rendered in the margin, "shall he be established." This statement does not mean that there is anything about the most enlightened and generous liberality which has anything meritorious, and which in any way is the procuring cause of God's favour.

1. The possession of this beauteous character is a clear indication of possessing God's favour, and an important means of preserving that privilege.

2. A liberal man is, by liberal things, established in the estimation of the wise and good.

3. Devotion to the good of others establishes and secures much happiness to the liberal man. The greater the outgoing of benevolence, the greater the influx of peace.

(W. Runciman.)

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KJV: But the liberal deviseth liberal things; and by liberal things shall he stand.

WEB: But the noble devises noble things; and he will continue in noble things.