“The generous soul will be made rich, and he who waters will also be watered himself” (Prov 11:25; NKJV). The meaning of “made rich” is actually prosper or grow fat! Proverbs 19:17 tells us that when we are generous to the poor, we are actually lending to the Lord! According to Prov 22:9, a generous person is a blessed person. (See also Ps 112:5).

This is all confirmed in the New Testament in 2 Cor 9:6-10. Let’s see what God is telling us in these verses. Verse 6 tells us we are blessed according to the measure that we give (see also Luke 6:38). Verse 7 says that God loves cheerful givers, not those who give begrudgingly. In verse 8 we learn that God will supply our needs abundantly, so that we have enough left over to give to others. In Verse 9, we see that our generosity whether in giving money or good deeds will be remembered forever. Finally verse 10 teaches us that God will multiply our resources so we can keep on being generous. All very encouraging!

The reason we should be generous is because God’s love compels us (1 John 3:17). However, no one can outgive God; He gave his only Son to die, and Jesus being obedient gave His life, so we could enjoy eternity with Him.

Keep these scriptures in mind as you go through your day and “be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others” (1 Tim 6:18; NLT).