HE THAT BLESSES OTHERS WILL HIMSELF BE BLESSED

Proclamation:

“One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.  A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”  Proverbs 11:24-25 (NIV)

Explanation:

This proverb, like all but the last two of the proverbs, was written by King Solomon under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  The eleventh proverb of Solomon continues the pattern of presenting a series of seemingly unrelated sentences that compares and contrasts that which is good and righteous with that which is not.  After stating and apparent contradiction, one who gives freely, gains even more, while one who holds onto his, loses it.  Then he states that the generous person who gives to help others will prosper.

Application:

This very Christian principle is that you gain by giving.  “He that watereth shall be watered also himself.”  (Proverb 11:25 KJV)  In both physical and spiritual things, he who blesses others will himself also be blessed.  “Give, and it shall be given unto you …” (Luke 6:38)  If you want more of something, try giving more of that to others.  “As you sow, so shall you also reap.” (2 Corinthians 9:6 and Galatians 6:7)