Ecclesiastes #9

Introduction:

Connection:

A story of a good thing turned into a back thing—and how to let good things be good and not bad! Social Media.

Theme:

The Snares of Sin and the Joys of Gifts

Need:

We need to be freed from the snares of sin, and freed to enjoy God and His Good Gifts, with generous and loving hearts.

Purpose:

To instruct us in the realities behind government corruption; to rebuke us for the love of money and the lack of family provision; to comfort us in the gift of Jesus Christ and the fullness of joy in Him; and to exhort us to rejoice in God’s bestowment of goods, work, and wealth—to use them for God’s glory and for our neighbours good.

Recap:

Last Lord’s Day we saw the intermission of Ecclesiastes with Solomon’s call to have few words in the house of God as we approach the word of God; and to pay our vows in the sight of God. We saw that the fear of the Lord was the essence of his argument, and the command for the church. Here he returns to his horizontal lament over the sin around him, and the godly response to life in hebel, especially as it regards money and wealth.

Open your Bibles:

Eccl. 5:8-20 ESV

PRAY - PRAY - PRAY - PRAY - PRAY - PRAY - PRAY - PRAY

(1) The Snares of Power and Oppression are due to Sinful Corruption and Tyranny - v. 8-9

Ecclesiastes 5:8–9 ESV

If you see in a province the oppression of the poor and the violation of justice and righteousness, do not be amazed at the matter, for the high official is watched by a higher, and there are yet higher ones over them. But this is gain for a land in every way: a king committed to cultivated fields.

(1) The Snares of Power and Oppression are due to Sinful Corruption and Tyranny - v. 8-9

Here Solomon gives us two evidences of the abuse of power in the civil magistrate, oppression of the poor and violation of justice: If you see in a province the oppression of the poor and the violation of justice and righteousness (v8a).

God ordained the civil magistrate, the civil government, for the purpose of upholding the sanctity of truth, the sanctity of human life, and for maintaining peace and order. This is the essence of justice—eye for eye, tooth for tooth—punishment and reward—peace and protection—justice and righteousness according to God’s Word, according to God’s Law. But when sinful creatures are in power (and you won’t find a creature in power that isn’t sinful), then there is the temptation toward oppression of the poor. Instead of helping the poor, the orphans, the widows, the homeless, the broken, the hurting, the weak, and the powerless—they oppress them, harm them, deal harshly with them, steal the little they do have, fail to provide the necessities of life, fail to lift them up, and fail to aid them in their afflictions. Part of the essence of injustice, according to God’s Law, is oppressing the helpless who are made in God’s image.

Exodus 22:21–24 ESV

“You shall not wrong a sojourner or oppress him, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt. You shall not mistreat any widow or fatherless child. If you do mistreat them, and they cry out to me, I will surely hear their cry, and my wrath will burn, and I will kill you with the sword, and your wives shall become widows and your children fatherless.

But not only this, Solomon also says that the civil magistrate is corrupt in its violation of justice and righteousness. Another part of injustice, according to God’s Law, is abusing power with evil actions, policies, and procedures; and failing to punish the wicked and reward the righteous.

Proverbs 16:12 ESV

It is an abomination to kings to do evil, for the throne is established by righteousness.

When the government does not govern according to principles of biblical retribution, of restitution, of fairness, of impartiality, of protection, of peace, of goodness, of beauty, of truth—when the government rejects its place as ministers of God, under God, and over the people—when the government stops ruling in the fear of God—when a government ceases to follow the Law of God, the objective standard of morality, the objective standard of value, the objective standard of dignity—when they violate justice, rebelling against the only true and living God—then they prove to be sinfully abusing their power and position of authority from God.

Isaiah 5:20–23 ESV

Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter! Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, and shrewd in their own sight! Woe to those who are heroes at drinking wine, and valiant men in mixing strong drink, who acquit the guilty for a bribe, and deprive the innocent of his right!

Sam Renihan says: The promotion of abortion and the erosion and destruction of marriage through rampant divorce, homosexual unions, and all kinds of sexual perversion, are high treachery and boldfaced rejection of the most basic duties of all mankind [and the government] according to the Noahic Covenant [which is when God ordained civil government]”

And then Solomon tells us the root cause of government oppression—which is just simply sinful corruption. When we see oppression of the poor and violation of justice, we shouldn’t be left in awe, but we should expect it. Solomon says: Do not be amazed at the matter, for the high official is watched by a higher, and there are yet higher ones over them (v. 8b).

God ordains civil government, they are ministers of God. We are to give unto Ceaser what is Ceaser’s—even wicked Ceaser, even Sinful Ceaser, even Tyrannical Ceaser—what is rightfully under his jurisdiction, we render to him that which is due (Matt. 22:21). But we must not be naive. There is no such things as a golden age on this side of glory. There is no such thing as a perfectly righteous government in this present evil world. Solomon says, why are you taken aback? Why are you surprised? Wicked men ruling over wicked men, will rule wickedly over men! The sinful officials are watched by higher sinful rulers, who are watched by higher sinful rulers over them. The problem isn’t so much the system—it’s not necessarily systemic. The system and position and place of authority is ordained by God and is good, righteous, and fitting. But the people in the positions of authority, ahhh, this is the issue. Sinful men in places of power will abuse their power in rebellion against the God who reigns over all. As high up as you can go in the structure of a civil government, as far to the top reaches of rulers in the world, from top to bottom they are corrupt, weighed down by sin and iniquity, and Solomon says, we ought not to be surprised when injustice prevails in this life.

But, take note Calvary, though injustice can prevail in this life—nothing escapes God’s sight. Christ isn’t just Lord of the Kingdom of the Church, He is Lord over the Kingdom of Creation—he reigns and rulers over all—and he is the judge of all. The foundation of his throne is true righteousness and justice.

Ephesians 1:22–23 ESV

And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

Colossians 2:9–10 ESV

For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority.

Revelation 22:12–13 ESV

“Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.”

He will judge according to our works. Every individual person, and every individual ruler in government, we will all stand before the judgment seat of Christ—true, perfect, righteous, holy, and good justice will be dealt out. All things will be made right when our blessed King returns. Though government is corrupt now, there will be a time when justice will cover the face of the earth—the face of the new heavens and new earth.

But Solomon ends this paragraph on a positive note. Though government is corrupt, there are still benefits to be found in them—because they are appointed by God. Even wicked rulers can produce outward and civil good. Even sinful leaders can produce good policies at times. Government, even corrupt government, can have benefits. But this is gain for a land in every way: a king committed to cultivated fields (v. 9).

Solomon also recognizes the principle of God’s common grace. God restrains evil men from committing the fullness of that which their heart desires. He restrains and he blesses. In God’s sovereignty, the one who places kings in position and removes them in judgment, can providentially lead kings and rulers to be committed to civil good, justice, peace, righteousness, and prosperity. This is only by the common grace of God. The one who ordained civil government, in his sovereignty, will use them for justice and righteousness—though their legislation will not be perfectly just or righteous:

Proverbs 21:1 ESV

The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will.

Proverbs 29:26 ESV

Many seek the face of a ruler, but it is from the Lord that a man gets justice.

So, we should rejoice when a king is committed to cultivated fields, to a thriving economy, for a peaceful land, for a just rule, for a godly protection of the poor and rich, of the small and great, of the young and old, and of the born and unborn. We should praise God for ordering such things for the good of our nation—and we should plead with God to bring justice in our nation when such things have been violated in governmental sin. At core, we must remember that all injustice is rooted in unjust hearts—and that no ounce of injustice will ever escape the sight of the Holy and Just God; at the government level; and at the personal heart level. Jesus is the searches of minds and hearts.

(1) The Snares of Power and Oppression are due to Sinful Corruption and Tyranny - v. 8-9

This brings us to our second point:

(2) The Snares of Wealth and Goods are due to the Love of Money and Riches - v. 10-12

Ecclesiastes 5:10–12 ESV

He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity. When goods increase, they increase who eat them, and what advantage has their owner but to see them with his eyes? Sweet is the sleep of a laborer, whether he eats little or much, but the full stomach of the rich will not let him sleep.

(2) The Snares of Wealth and Goods are due to the Love of Money and Riches - v. 10-12

Here Solomon gives us three basic realities regarding money. The first is that the love of money is a vain and sinful snare. He says: He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity (v. 10).

This verse reminds us that the love of money, serving Mammon, sinful idolatry—is a great barrier to entering the Kingdom of Christ. Jesus says:

Matthew 6:24 ESV

“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.

Matthew 19:23–24 ESV

And Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly, I say to you, only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.”

The love of money is a poison and canker that keeps us away from trusting in the riches of Christ, and thus entering the Kingdom of God. Solomon warns us, that the love of money is a never ending pit that will swallow you whole, with no pity or mercy. Those who love money never find what they are looking for, in their bank account, or in their income—it never brings satisfaction, it can’t free you from hebel, and it can’t redeem you into the Kingdom.

1 Timothy 6:9–10 ESV

But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.

For where your heart is, there will be your treasure—and where your treasure is, that will be the evidence of your eternal destiny. The love of money and the love of self leads to the wrath of God in the end—but the love of Christ and the love of God leads to the grace of God in the end. Calvary, choose this day whom you shall serve! The love of money will eat you from the inside out—but the grace and mercy and gospel and kingdom and covenant of Christ will fill you with all the fullness of God overflowing with the rivers of life and the fountain of living waters. Oh for grace to trust Him more.

Then Solomon seeks to convince us to flee from the love of money by the burden that riches place on us: when goods increase, they increase who eat them, and what advantage has their owner but to see them with his eyes? (v. 11).

You can literally translate this as, when goods increase, they increase the leeches. Isn’t that so true. Where money abounds, leeches abound. All of a sudden you get a lot of friends, but you realize they aren’t friends, they are leeches—just wanting to suck some of your profit from you to spend it on their own passions and desires. Why would you want this? Do you want leeches? Do you want to be eaten alive? Solomon says, do not desire such a thing. However, if God makes you rich in His providence—then with great weight and responsibility, use such riches for the Kingdom of God, the love of neighbour, the building up of the Church, and the things of eternity.

1 Timothy 6:17–19 ESV

As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.

The love of riches is a great snare—but the possession of riches is a great responsibility.

Solomon then tells us that those who aren’t rich sleep better than those who are: Sweet is the sleep of a laborer, whether he eats little or much, but the full stomach of the rich will not let him sleep (v. 12).

Those who labor on a standard pay, a decent wage, with regular benefits—they get deep and sweet sleep. Those who do not love money, but are content with food and clothing, they sleep like a baby. Sometimes, our insomnia is due to a frantic heart that is not trusting God—but is constantly worrying about how to get the next paycheck. Borgman says: “He would write a big check to pay for a good night’s sleep, but money can’t buy a sound night’s sleep.” But what can bring a good nights sleep? Faith in the promises of God who redeems, sustains, provides, and protects his beloved children.

Psalm 4:8 ESV

In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.

Psalm 127:2 ESV

It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep.

Oh let us not labor for the food that perishes, but for that which endures to eternal life—lest we show that all our religious formalities were empty and devoid of the Spirit, because we never truly repented of serving the god of money.

Bridges adds: This evil of covetousness is an easily besetting sin. Multitudes condemn it in others, who little suspect its influence in their own hearts. It is a fleshly desire—something that has got into the place of God. Men are accustomed to give it a softer name, such as prudence; but there is no sin more hardening, and stupefying to the conscience. We may fall from the faith under this deadly principle without changing one atom of our Evangelical Creed. Oh what need of deep searching hearts, of watching in prayer. Well does an old commentator remark—he is rich, not who possess much, but who desires little, we may add, whose treasure is in his God and Saviour.

To you who sleep well—who are content in Christ—praise God and sleep like a baby. To those of you who don’t, let us examine our hearts, and maybe do some repenting over our stomachs that are full to the brim when we go to sleep, and our hearts which are empty due to the love of riches which cannot satisfy. God give us grace to be content in Christ, and fleeing from over-indulgence in God’s good gifts.

(2) The Snares of Wealth and Goods are due to the Love of Money and Riches - v. 10-12

Here then is our third point:

(3) The Snares of Hoarding and Lack are due to Selfish Gain and Pride- v. 13-17

Ecclesiastes 5:13–17 ESV

There is a grievous evil that I have seen under the sun: riches were kept by their owner to his hurt, and those riches were lost in a bad venture. And he is father of a son, but he has nothing in his hand. As he came from his mother’s womb he shall go again, naked as he came, and shall take nothing for his toil that he may carry away in his hand. This also is a grievous evil: just as he came, so shall he go, and what gain is there to him who toils for the wind? Moreover, all his days he eats in darkness in much vexation and sickness and anger.

(3) The Snares of Hoarding and Lack are due to Selfish Gain and Pride- v. 13-17

Solomon now picks up the sin of hoarding in luxury, the sin of foolish investments which squander a family inheritance, and the sorrow of the poor in this world. On hoarding he says: There is a grievous evil that I have seen under the sun: riches were kept by their owner to his hurt (v. 13).

With hearts humbled, and with desire to please Christ—let us now Calvary examine our hearts. Jesus says to give the poor our cloak, but we stock up our wardrobe instead (Matt. 5:40). Jesus says to give to those who beg from you, but we beg God to give us the bigger and better (Matt. 5:42). Jesus says give to the needy, but we roll our eyes at them when we drive by (Matt. 6:2). Jesus says to take up our cross and follow him, but we increase our comfort and luxury in the North American Dream (Matt. 16:24). Jesus says to sell what we possess and give to the poor, but we increase our possessions and steal from the poor (Matt. 19:21). Jesus says to feed the hungry and give the thirsty drink, but we stock food in the pantry and freezer for months on end (Matt. 25:38). These things aren’t evil in themselves—but they can corrupt our evil hearts to neglect the good.

How many of us have riches and goods kept back to our own spiritual hurt, as we steal from the poor whom we ought to be loving and serving in the love of Jesus. How are we stewarding the talents and finances that the Lord has entrusted to us? Oh beloved, this afternoon I think we probably need to re-look at our budget, our possessions, our income, our expenses, and resolve by God’s grace to live more sacrificially for our great God and Saviour who has saved us by his precious blood, by death on the Cross, by giving up the riches of glory to clothe us wretched and poor and naked sinners. By giving us the Spirit of glory to cause us to be born again. By giving us the Lord of glory to be our Redeemer and friend. We have great cause to serve the King. Jesus paid it all, and we rest in Him, all to Him we owe, so we serve Him. Something I’m learning, is that when things are tight—we don’t give less—we should give more, in faith and wisdom.

Solomon isn’t done with us yet. Now he tells us the tragic story of someone who spent all his savings and stole the inheritance away from his firstborn son. Those riches were lost in a bad venture. He is the father of a son, but he has nothing in his hand. As he came from his mother’s womb he shall go again, naked as he came, and shall take nothing for his toil that he may carry away in his hand. This also is a grievous evil: just as he came, so shall he go, and what gain is there to him who toils for the wind (v. 16).

Not to dwell too long on this, but to simply notice that it is a failure to steward what God has entrusted to us if we squander it all on a bad investment, on a bad venture. If we invest our life savings on something foolish that leaves us empty handed—we aren’t just being sinful stewards, we are being failures of a parent—who is failing to lay up an inheritance for our children and our children’s children. We are leaving our children naked and lacking in a world of economic distress. This, says Solomon, is a grievous evil. Those who toil for the wind, leave but wind for the children to live on.

Closing this section, Solomon laments the brokenness of a life bruised by poor investments and the love of money that leaves one lacking: Moreover, all his days he eats in darkness in much vexation and sickness and anger (v. 17).

Oh the sadness of this picture of impoverished hebel Of a life of darkness, vexation, sickness, and anger. It could have been otherwise, if these parents had used their money for the glory of God, according to biblical principles of sacrificial stewardship, and wise savings. Let us have pity on such people—and let us not make the grievous and evil mistake of the man described in this text. God help us to be people who are good and faithful servants, good and faithful stewards—for Christ’s sake! Let us not forget the the root cause of such sin is our own wicked pride and covetous hearts. Oh to let this be our prayer:

Proverbs 30:7–9 ESV

Two things I ask of you; deny them not to me before I die: Remove far from me falsehood and lying; give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me, lest I be full and deny you and say, “Who is the Lord?” or lest I be poor and steal and profane the name of my God.

(3) The Snares of Hoarding and Lack are due to Selfish Gain and Pride- v. 13-17

This brings us to our final point. Solomon loves to write like a rollercoaster. Ups and down, highs and lows, emotional explosions of sorrow and sadness, followed by joy and gratitude. Now we close we a passage of light and vitality:

(4) The Joys of Gifts and Toil are due to the Generosity and Joy of God - v. 18-20.

Ecclesiastes 5:18–20 ESV

Behold, what I have seen to be good and fitting is to eat and drink and find enjoyment in all the toil with which one toils under the sun the few days of his life that God has given him, for this is his lot. Everyone also to whom God has given wealth and possessions and power to enjoy them, and to accept his lot and rejoice in his toil—this is the gift of God. For he will not much remember the days of his life because God keeps him occupied with joy in his heart.

(4) The Joys of Gifts and Toil are due to the Generosity and Joy of God - v. 18-20.

Okay, Solomon. He has weaned us out of the sin of the love of money, and the sin of hoarding, and the sin of luxury—and now he is encouraging us not to be monks, but to be joyful creatures who delight ourselves in God’s good gifts, while still maintaining a frugal and generous heart. We enjoy God’s gifts, and we share them with others. Behold, what I have seen to be good and fitting is to eat and drink and find enjoyment in all the toil with which one toils under the sun the few days of his life that God has given him, for this is his lot (v. 18).

Instead of making food and drink our gods, instead of making work and toil our king—we can receive them as gifts from the hands and hearts of our Father who is in heaven, who loves us everlastingly, who saves us freely, and who calls us to live sacrificially for the glory of His Son, Jesus Christ—in the power of His Holy Spirit. So it is good, and it is fitting, says Solomon—to enjoy these good gifts, to work hard, and to not waste your breathe in this vapor of life. Live it Soli Deo Gloria, for Christ and His Kingdom, for the Church and the Lost, and be the happiest you can be, while being the most humble you can be. Why? For this is our lot. This is our portion from God our Father—who has lavished us with our life, our place, our position, and our time—who has graced us with salvation, peace, joy, and assurance—and who calls us to lay down our lives for the sake of the Lord Jesus Christ, both his temporal and eternal gifts.

Psalm 103:1–5 ESV

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

Our God is generous and gracious beyond comparison—all in and through Jesus Christ, the Saviour of the World. For His precious sheep, his chosen elect, his beloved children—we get the privilege of enjoying Him in this life, and in the life to come. Oh what blessed hope is this for all who repent and believe!

Then Solomon reflects on how, not only does God grant us food and drink and toil as a gift, but also wealth and possessions and goods. Everyone also to whom God has given wealth and possessions and power to enjoy them, and to accept his lot and rejoice in his toil—this is the gift of God (v. 19).

The same Solomon who rebukes luxury and hoarding of riches, who rebukes the love of money, and the abuse of power and possessions—is the same Solomon, inspired by the Holy Spirit, who now commands us to enjoy the wealth and possessions in their proper place, for they are a gift from God, to be enjoyed in God, and used for the glory of God. Don’t give all your money away to the poor and be a miserable wretch—give your money away to the poor and enjoy a good burger. Don’t give all your clothes away to the poor and wear ripped and ragged clothes—give your clothes away to the poor and wear something beautiful. Don’t give all your goods to those who beg from you—give your goods to those who beg from you and enjoy the precious gifts of God to you in Christ. Do you see how this is the only way to have a godly response to food, drink, work, wealth, and possessions? Only by remembering that they all come to us as a gracious gift from God our Father, will we be able to enjoy them, and be generous with them. Grace changes everything. Jesus changes everything. The gospel changes everything.

2 Corinthians 9:13–15 ESV

By their approval of this service, they will glorify God because of your submission that comes from your confession of the gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others, while they long for you and pray for you, because of the surpassing grace of God upon you. Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!

Can you say this morning: thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift in Jesus Christ? Can you say thing morning: thanks be to God for salvation, for reconciliation, for healing, for strength, for power, for peace, for joy, for love, for mercy, for grace, for rest in Christ? Can you say with faith and repentance, from the heart—thanks be to God for saving me by the precious blood of Jesus, and for lavishing me with precious gifts in the Spirit? Can you say with rejoicing and trembling, thanks be to God who is my faithful covenant-keeping and grace-lavishing God. Thanks be to God who not only gives me these good gifts, but in Christ, gives me the power to enjoy them with childlike faith and gratitude.

What happens when this Spirit-led life overflows out of us as we look unto Jesus? We kill our sin, we long for justice, we crush the love of money, we rest in God’s promises, we are generous with our riches, we serve the poor, we enjoy God’s good gifts, and lastly, we live a life of God-filled joy, with joy unspeakable and full of glory! Solomon says lastly: For he will not much remember the days of his life because God keeps him occupied with joy in his heart (v. 20).

Oh to journey through this fleeting life of hebel with holy happiness within, to stray away from the vanities and sinful temptations around us and to gaze full upon the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ—finding salvation and joy to receive God’s good gifts, and to give just as we have received, freely, by grace alone (Matt. 10:8).

Psalm 5:11 ESV

But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exult in you.

Oh to be occupied with the joy of the Lord in our hearts, so that the joy of the Lord is our strength (Neh. 8:10).

(4) The Joys of Goods and Toil are due to the Generosity and Joy of God - v. 18-20.

Hear now our conclusion:

(C) The Snares of Sin are from the Selfishness of Man but the Joys of Gifts are from the Generosity of God.

As an old hymnist put it:

Remember not O God, the sins of long ago; in tender mercy visit us, distressed and humbled low. O Lord our Saviour help, and glorify thy name; deliver us from all our sins, and take away our shame. In thy compassion hear, thy prisners plaintive sigh, and in the greatness of thy power, save those about to die. Then safe within thy fold, we will exalt thy Name; our thankful hearts with songs of joy, thy goodness will proclaim.

Psalm 126:5 ESV

Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy!

(C) The Snares of Sin are from the Selfishness of Man but the Joys of Gifts are from the Generosity of God.

Amen, let’s pray.

Discussion Questions:

(1) Why should we not be surprised when we see oppression and wickedness in our civil governments? And how should we pray for them?

(2) Why is the love of money a deadly poison in our lives? And how can we fight for godly contentment in Christ?

(3) Why is the hoarding of riches a grievous evil? And who is affected when people withhold goods from others?

(4) How can we enjoy wealth and possessions for God’s glory? And why is the Gospel the only way to faithfully steward God’s good gifts to us?

(5) Why are the snares of sin rooted in the selfishness of man? And why are the joys of gifts rooted in the generosity of God?