Givers & Takers (Ps 112)

How does generosity make our lives happy and selfishness make our lives miserable? Let’s look at Psalm 112.

Do we delight in obedience to God? Does the Spirit of the old testament commandments still apply to us?

Praise Yah [Halleluyah, Praise the Lord]! Blessed is the man who fears Yahweh, who delights greatly in his commandments. His offspring will be mighty in the land. The generation of the upright will be blessed. Wealth and riches are in his house. His righteousness endures forever. Light dawns in the darkness for the upright, gracious, merciful, and righteous. (Ps 112:1-4 WEB)

Are there two kinds of people in the world, givers and takers? What does generosity have to do with obedience to God? How does God bless righteous givers?

Those who lend generously are good people—as are those who conduct their affairs with justice. Yes, these sorts of people will never be shaken; the righteous will be remembered forever! They won’t be frightened at bad news. Their hearts are steady, trusting in the Lord. Their hearts are firm; they aren’t afraid. In the end, they will witness their enemies’ defeat. They give freely to those in need. Their righteousness stands forever. Their strength increases gloriously. (Ps 112:5-9 CEB)

What is the result of the exact opposite, living a stingy, selfish life?

When evil people see this, they angrily bite their tongues and disappear. They will never get what they really want. (Ps 112:10 CEV)

What did Jesus say was the result of living a generous rather than selfish life?

In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ (Acts 10:35 ESV)

Is there an automatic blessing from God that comes from giving?

Give, and it will be given to you; a good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over—will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.” (Luke 6:38 HCSB)

How does generosity make our lives happy and selfishness make our lives miserable? You decide!