THE MIZER’S LAMENT!

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

THE MIZER’S LAMENT!

Prov 11:24

24 There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.

A miser is a person who is reluctant to spend, sometimes to the point of forgoing even basic comforts and some necessities, in order to hoard money or other possessions.

           The niggardly and parsimonious man is fearful of want and hoards and hides his possessions. If he gives, when he gives, he gives to appear generous, or at least cooperative in corporate giving. What he gives reveals his true nature because it is an insignificant and unhelpful amount.

           The proverb highlights a paradox! God blesses the generous man and attaches a curse to hoarded resources. The stingy man grows ever more bitter because his riches has not made him rich. His response is to withhold even more. The result is even more want and bitterness.

           The generous man is always amazed that God seems to replace his resources. He goes through the day reaping where he has not planted. God gives him “handfuls on purpose.” The result is that he finds joy in his giving and confidence in his contributions. He fears no lack for God is the supplier.

           Would the God who noticed the widow’s two mites, secretly and silently deposited into the treasury, fail to provide her evening meal? I think she was fed and that her gift was returned to her in mysterious and miraculous ways. 

Luke 6:38

38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

Dear Lord, I don’t think myself to be rich but let me be generous and responsive with what you have provided. Let me scatter my gifts abroad. AMEN