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Proverbs 11 (NIV)
11 The Lord detests dishonest scales, but accurate weights find favor with him. 2 When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. 3 The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.4 Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death. 5 The righteousness of the blameless makes their paths straight, but the wicked are brought down by their own wickedness. 6 The righteousness of the upright delivers them, but the unfaithful are trapped by evil desires. 7 Hopes placed in mortals die with them; all the promise of their power comes to nothing. 8 The righteous person is rescued from trouble, and it falls on the wicked instead. 9 With their mouths, the godless destroy their neighbors, but through knowledge the righteous escape. 10 When the righteous prosper, the city rejoices; when the wicked perish, there are shouts of joy. 11 Through the blessing of the upright, a city is exalted, but by the mouth of the wicked, it is destroyed. 12 Whoever derides their neighbor has no sense, but the one who has understanding holds their tongue. 13 A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret. 14 For lack of guidance, a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers. 15 Whoever puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer, but whoever refuses to shake hands in pledge is safe. 16 A kindhearted woman gains honor, but ruthless men gain only wealth. 17 Those who are kind benefit themselves, but the cruel bring ruin on themselves. 18 A wicked person earns deceptive wages, but the one who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward. 19 Truly the righteous attain life, but whoever pursues evil finds death. 20 The Lord detests those whose hearts are perverse, but he delights in those whose ways are blameless. 21 Be sure of this: The wicked will not go unpunished, but those who are righteous will go free.22 Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout is a beautiful woman who shows no discretion.23 The desire of the righteous ends only in good, but the hope of the wicked only in wrath. 24 One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly but comes to poverty. 25 A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. 26 People curse the one who hoards grain, but they pray God’s blessing on the one who is willing to sell. 27 Whoever seeks good finds favor, but evil comes to one who searches for it. 28 Those who trust in their riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf. 29 Whoever brings ruin on their family will inherit only wind, and the fool will be servant to the wise. 30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and the one who is wise saves lives. 31 If the righteous receive their due on earth, how much more the ungodly and the sinner!
What proverbs do you see here that develop the theme of generosity?
Holy God, You have given me everything. You have given me life, a family, skills, food, a home, many material things, and free will. Most of all you have given me salvation through Your forgiveness and death on the cross. All that I have, all that I do, all that I achieve is a gift from You. You have given me and will continue to give me everything that I need. Lord help me to be content for that which I have been given. Those who cheat to get more are not content but go against You. Those who take credit for accomplishments are filled with pride and don’t acknowledge Your generosity. What can they gain by their dishonesty? Help me be generous with all that you have given me and live in a manner that is pleasing to You. Help me give my life to You through honesty to myself and with others. Help me be generous with what I say so that I do not hurt others with gossip or unkind words, but with words that are uplifting and gracious. Help me be generous with my heart by wanting what is best for others, being kind, and doing the right things. Help me be generous with my time and money by paying attention to those who are hurting and providing for their needs. Being generous will make my life deeper and richer in all ways compared to the emptiness I would feel by being stingy and selfish. As a result of giving of myself for others and doing what is right, I will gain friends and companions and Your riches. Help me to not trust in my wealth, but to be confident that my trust in You will help me grow healthy in my soul. In the end, money won’t help me. Trusting in You is the only way to be saved from death. Making the most of my life by generously giving it to You and others will provide the fulfillment, contentment, and satisfaction that money can’t buy. Help me to be a good steward with all that You have given me. Amen