Daily Devotionals
Daily Devotional: Proverbs 31:16-20
Prov 31:16-20
16 She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands, she plants a vineyard. 17 She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong. 18 She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night. 19 She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle. 20 She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy.
Eph 5:15-18
Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.
God has always wanted people to work to provide for themselves, but to also share what they have with those who are in need. There are, and always have been, those who cannot provide for themselves, whether for a short time or permanently. In the Law of Moses there were provisions made for the people in each community to take care of those in need. God cares about everyone.
The first responsibility of everyone is to take care of our own families. Paul says that if a man refuses to provide for his own, he is worse than an infidel. It is a denial of faith in God when we refuse to take care of our families. Jesus rebuked the Pharisees because they had made a provision in their traditions so that a person could dedicate his or her belongings to God and then not have to “honor” their parents by providing their needs. He said they had nullified the Law of God by doing this. God expects us to work and provide for ourselves and others.
One of the things that stands out about the woman described in our Proverb is that she is a hard worker. He family knows they can trust her to provide their needs. But she also reaches out to help the needy. She is not greedy nor is she selfish. When we work hard, and smart, we have what we need. But it is God who has made it possible and who provides it to us. Just as he takes care of us, and without him we have nothing, we are to share with others. Christmas is a good time to do this, but we should not limit our generosity to just Christmas.
O Lord God, thank you for all you have given me. Thank you that I have been able to work and to provide for my family. I am thankful that others have helped me and my family in times that we were truly in need, so now I count it as a blessing to be able to help others as I see the opportunity to do so. I do realize that all I have is from you and by your grace, and that it is temporary, so I ask you to help me never be greedy or selfish. Thank you for so many good people whom you have put in my life over the years. I pray in the name of Jesus.
Robert
