Proverbs 11:24 There is that scatters, and yet increases; and there is that withholds more than is meet, but it tends to poverty. I. GENEROSITY EXEMPLIFIED. 1. In nature. Clouds give rain, sun gives light, earth gives fruit. "The heart does not receive the blood to store it up, but while it pumps it in at one valve, it sends it forth at another." 2. In the example of Christ (Galatians 1:4). 3. In the early Church (Acts 2:44, 45). 4. In modern times. Peabody, Morley, etc. II. GENEROSITY EXTOLLED. 1. It is unstinted (Isaiah 32:8). 2. It is profitable. One who has had experience in giving systematically, says, "It pays as an investment, and is a fortune in business." Mr. Haig Miller tells of a gentleman who, on starting in life, said, "I determined that for every £10,000 I made £1,000 should be given back to God and works of charity, and I have had ten times to fulfil my vow." If temporal gain is the motive which inspires giving, the act will be spoiled by the motive; but giving from right motives is often honoured by a present and a bountiful return. The converse of this is true. Withholding "tendeth to poverty." If not poverty of purse, as is often the case, there will be poverty of soul. 3. It is hearty. "God never sent us into this world to do anything into which we cannot put our hearts." 4. It is healthy. "If a man is growing large in wealth, nothing but constant and generous giving can save him from growing small in soul." 5. It is refreshing. 6. It wins the heart. Edward Payson said, when dying, "I long to give a full cup of happiness to every human being." The benedictions of his people were a chief part of his rich reward (compare Job 29:13). 7. It is painstaking. The true friend of the needy does not wait till misery presses its claim at his door; he goes and looks first (compare Luke 19:10). (H. Thorne) Parallel Verses KJV: There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty. |
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