Proverbs 11:24-25

The book of Proverbs gives us insights into so many different areas of life. The book gives us instruction on how to live our lives for God. Here is a proverb that gives us insight about being generous:

Proverbs 11:24-25 (ESV)

One gives freely, yet grows all the richer;

another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want.

Whoever brings blessing will be enriched,

and one who waters will himself be watered.

God is a giver.   God teaches us to give.   We are to demonstrate the gift of giving in our day to day actions.   In the above two proverbs God tells us that when we give we are going to be blessed but when we withhold it will be withheld from us.   The law of the harvest is one of God's key principles outlined numerous times and in numerous ways in God's word.   Being a generous person will result in water flowing down on you.    Being someone who withholds will result in want.   God does not idly provide us with these principles for us to ignore.   When we scatter good seed through faith we reap a good harvest.   When we, through the flesh, withhold we reap little.   Water and be watered.   The second proverb in the above (v. 25) states that a "generous man will be prosperous and he who waters will himself be watered."   We need to capture this character quality in our lives.   In our relationships with others (whether at work, home, play; or, with family, friend or foe) we need to practice the art of giving.  We will be "watered" within ourselves when we give.  Who, after serving others, has not said, or heard said, "I got more out of it than I gave!"?  Yes, according to the proverb we, ourselves, will feel watered, but, more importantly we will be like our Father, who is a Giver. It is better to be a giver than a taker in a relationship with others.