Proverbs in 31 DaysSample

This chapter, at first read, can feel scattered. What is Solomon trying to teach the people of God through these verses? With a closer look, we can see a common thread woven throughout this section of Scripture. Solomon mentions riches, silver and gold, the poor, the generous, giving and oppression, discipline and training up children. All of these can be tied back to what we see described as character that honors God. This passage helps us see some of the traits that should mark our lives as we seek to live lives of obedience and bring glory to God.

In this chapter, Solomon contrasts two important types of people: the rich and the generous. We see the rich characterized as people who hoard up wealth, withhold from the needy, and only give to others who are already rich. Their character is revealed as unjust. The generous, on the other hand, take what they have and share with those in need around them. They are blessed because of their generosity. Their character shines through as just and humble. Their riches lie in the respect they earn from their strong character, not in silver and gold. Verse 2 tells us that the Lord is over the rich and the poor, reminding us that one group is not better or of more value than the other. The generous honor and show value by giving freely to all people, not withholding from those who have less.

Humility leads to honor, while injustice will only lead to poverty down the road. To honor God with our lives, we are called to live in a way that reflects His great generosity towards us. We give freely and abundantly because we know what has been given to us freely and abundantly is of more value than any earthly wealth — our salvation. We also know that this earth and everything in it will one day fall away (Matthew 24:35). We are free from hoarding money and wealth because we have an eternal treasure to look forward to. May we be a people marked by abundant generosity, seeing the needs around us and giving freely, so that people would know God by the way His people reflect Him. Let’s let our character reflect the character of our good, generous, gracious God and bestow value on the people we encounter.