Generosity

I. Oppression

A. The Lord of the Oppressed

Proverbs 14:31 NASB95

31 He who oppresses the poor taunts his Maker, But he who is gracious to the needy honors Him.

Taunts = sharp or to say sharp things against. Sometimes a person’s actions speak louder than words and reveal true feelings toward God. As we are generous to those in need, we say to God, “I honor You; I love you.”

Proverbs 22:22–23 NASB95

22 Do not rob the poor because he is poor, Or crush the afflicted at the gate; 23 For the Lord will plead their case And take the life of those who rob them.

The poor are those who are feeble, weak, or helpless.

Proverbs 29:13 NASB95

13 The poor man and the oppressor have this in common: The Lord gives light to the eyes of both.

Both equally belong to the Lord, have the same infinite value, and are accountable before their Creator. God gives them the breath of life but they must choose what they will do with that breath. Because they both have sight, certainly they should “see” each other. The oppressor should see the poor man’s need just as clearly as the poor man sees it.

B. The Potential of the Oppressed

Proverbs 13:23 NASB95

23 Abundant food is in the fallow ground of the poor, But it is swept away by injustice.

They can fee themselves if only given the opportunity. A wise ruler will root out injustice so that his land will be prosperous. This is not a hand out or even close to socialism. It is restoring to the poor what God has given to them.

C. The Value of the Oppressed

Proverbs 16:8 NASB95

8 Better is a little with righteousness Than great income with injustice.

D. The End of the Oppressor

Proverbs 22:16 NASB95

16 He who oppresses the poor to make more for himself Or who gives to the rich, will only come to poverty.

E. Having Concern for the Oppressed

Proverbs 29:7 NASB95

7 The righteous is concerned for the rights of the poor, The wicked does not understand such concern.

F. Countering Oppression

Proverbs 15:15 NASB95

15 All the days of the afflicted are bad, But a cheerful heart has a continual feast.

II. Benevolence

A. Generous Opportunity

Proverbs 18:16 NASB95

16 A man’s gift makes room for him And brings him before great men.

B. Generous Blessings

1. Prosperity

Proverbs 11:24–26 NASB95

24 There is one who scatters, and yet increases all the more, And there is one who withholds what is justly due, and yet it results only in want. 25 The generous man will be prosperous, And he who waters will himself be watered. 26 He who withholds grain, the people will curse him, But blessing will be on the head of him who sells it.

2. Reward from the Lord

Proverbs 19:17 NASB95

17 One who is gracious to a poor man lends to the Lord, And He will repay him for his good deed.

Proverbs 22:9 NASB95

9 He who is generous will be blessed, For he gives some of his food to the poor.

3. Inheritance

Proverbs 13:22 NASB95

22 A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, And the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous.

4. Happiness

Proverbs 14:21 NASB95

21 He who despises his neighbor sins, But happy is he who is gracious to the poor.

C. Generosity Denied

Proverbs 21:13 NASB95

13 He who shuts his ear to the cry of the poor Will also cry himself and not be answered.

Proverbs 25:14 NASB95

14 Like clouds and wind without rain Is a man who boasts of his gifts falsely.

Proverbs 28:27 NASB95

27 He who gives to the poor will never want, But he who shuts his eyes will have many curses.

D. Generous Instruction

Proverbs 3:27–28 NASB95

27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, When it is in your power to do it. 28 Do not say to your neighbor, “Go, and come back, And tomorrow I will give it,” When you have it with you.