Refreshing Others, Refreshing Yourself
Scripture:
Proverbs 31:20
She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy KJV
She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. NIV
Deuteronomy 15:7-8
If there be among you a poor man of one of thy brethren within any of thy gates in thy land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not harden thine heart, nor shut thine hand from thy poor brother. But thou shalt open thine hand wide unto him, and shalt surely lend him sufficient for his need, in that which he wanteth. KJV
If there is a poor man among your brothers in any of the towns of the land that the Lord your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward your poor brother. Rather be openhanded and freely lend him whatever he needs. NIV
Proverbs 11:25
The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself. KJV
A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed. NIV
Observation:
Barnes' Notes on the Bible ~
The industry is not selfish, but bears the fruit of an open-handed charity.
Clark's Commentary on the Bible ~
She is truly charitable. She knows that in every portion of a man's gain God requires a lot for the poor; and if this is not given, God's blessing is not in the rest. And she is not contented to give common alms. While with one hand (יד yad) she relieves the general poor, with both hands (ידיה yadeyha) she gives to the needy, לעני leaney, to the afflicted poor.
ESV Study Bible ~
Active concern for the poor is a cardinal virtue of all wisdom literature.
Application:
Ideas of helping those in need ~
- Give food to your local food bank or pantry
- While putting away winter clothes, select clothes which can be given away
- Send a card to someone who needs encouragement
- Give to your churches benevolent fund or local mission
- Make a meal for someone
- Offer to babysit
- Make a gift of goodies and give it to someone
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