“A generous person will be enriched, and one who gives water will get water.”
Proverbs 11:25 (NRSV)
Prodigal Thoughts: Are we giving just to get or are we giving so we can bless others? The NRSV translation leaves a bit to be desired for this verse in my opinion. A couple of other translations translate like this: “Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.” The word picture that I get with this chapter and verse is a pitcher of water. The one who gives reluctantly or just enough, their pitcher is nearly full, but not quite full. The generous person has to have a water basin underneath the pitcher because of the overflow. That pitcher is continually poured into and the abundance just flows over the edges. Given the context of what Solomon has been teaching, he is talking about matters of the heart and of righteousness, not financial matters. So, are we trying to get enough of God to fill our own heart, or are we seeking God and hoping for an overflow of His presence so that the abundance can be poured out on others? I know that I am hoping for the latter.
Prayer for today: Today, I pray that we would seek God generously and with expectation that He would fill us to overflowing with His presence and His grace and that we would give generously to all who would receive. Also, I pray that if you feel like we are lacking in the presence of God, that we would reach out so you can be encouraged.
If you need prayer, please reply and I will pray for you. If you would like to talk about this verse or have questions, I’m always open for your feedback.
And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful…
Prodigal Thinker 