22 As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion.
23 The desire of the righteous is only good: but the expectation of the wicked is wrath.
24 There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.
25 The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.
26 He that withholdeth corn, the people shall curse him: but blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it.
27 He that diligently seeketh good procureth favour: but he that seeketh mischief, it shall come unto him.
28 He that trusteth in his riches shall fall; but the righteous shall flourish as a branch.
29 He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind: and the fool shall be servant to the wise of heart.
30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.
31 Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth: much more the wicked and the sinner.
There is a lot of talk of giving and withholding within this passage. In fact, Solomon seems to be suggesting that giving is more lucrative than keeping. "There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches." (Prov 13:7)
The bible tells us that Jesus Christ, ruler of the universe, Son of God, gave up everything to come to earth and save us. "For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich." "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (2 Cor 8:9, Phil 2:5-11)
If this narrative had to be narrowed down to one trait, I would say unselfishness. This is love! This is scattering! This is GOD pouring out His riches in 100% selflessness. Christ has made himself poor and of no reputation and what is His reward? Us. Me. We are the recompensement for Christ's sacrifice.
Let the mind of Christ be in you. Scatter your gold and diamonds; kind smiles, gentle words, encouragement, talents, money, time, hospitality. What ever you have been given, make it available for after many days, you will find it. "Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again." (Luke 6:38)
Your reward is in heaven.
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