Hope Keeps us From Being Stingy

24One person gives freely, yet gains even more;

another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.

25A generous person will prosper;

whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.

26People curse the one who hoards grain,

but they pray God’s blessing on the one who is willing to sell.

27Whoever seeks good finds favor,

but evil comes to one who searches for it.

28Those who trust in their riches will fall,

but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf.  (Proverbs 11:24-27)

Thoughts: These verses contrast a stingy person with a generous person.  A generous person has hope.  But a stingy person has a fear of losing what they have.  Hope for the future enables us to let go of the present.  Fear of the future makes us want to keep things just in case.  For several years our youth have been visiting people who would be described as hoarders.  They don't throw things away, and consequently they almost smother themselves with stuff.  They cannot have anyone over.  They do not feel good about themselves.  Their lack of hope becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.  Sometimes these folks have had something happen in their lives with which they cannot cope.  Sometimes they are just stingy. But a generous person is healthy and prosperous and has more friends.  

Prayer: Lord, give me grace to have hope and be generous.