When you earn money, do your actions demonstrate that you most value people or profit?

In the third characteristic of a wise and generous heart, Solomon noted that we should weigh relationships greater than remuneration in order for resources to come in as God intended.

Solomon witnessed how generosity multiplied wealth, yet greed perpetuated scarcity. He noted, “One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty” (Proverbs 11:24). The King elaborated on the secret why: “A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed” (Proverbs 11:25).

Solomon was communicating that a generous person weighs relationships greater than remuneration. He values people more than profit. Consequently, when we are generous, we are fair in our pricing. Solomon taught, “People curse the man who hoards grain, but blessing crowns him who is willing to sell” (Proverbs 11:16). The only reason that someone hoards grain is that he is asking more than the market price; he weighs remuneration over relationship.

Peter emphasized Jesus’ teaching that our remuneration is temporal; whereas, our relationships are eternal, noting that all of our earthly treasure will burn up on judgment day (2 Peter 3:10). God simply designed money to be earned as a byproduct of wise relationships. Paul defined the coordinates of wise relationships as the humble sweet spot where our unselfish interests intersect horizontally with the interests of others and vertically with the interests of God (Philippians 2:3-5).

When resources come into your life, do you recognize God as your Provider? Do you win your resources little by little? Do you work both hard and smart? Do you weigh relationships greater than remuneration? Begin to focus on these objectives in order to grow in wisdom and generosity.

Episode 27: God's Ins, Outs, Ups, and Downs of Resources, Part 1 from mitchkrusetv on Vimeo.