Proverbs 11:25 - Being generous and refreshing toward othres

Proverbs 11:25

The generous man will be prosperous, 

and he who waters will himself be watered. 

Message: Being generous and refreshing toward others. 

Time: Proverbs records multiple individuals as its author with Solomon as the principal author. Solomon died in 931 BC though most think the book was likely in its final form sometime before the end of Hezekiah’s reign in 686 BC. It is a book that instructs people on the path of wisdom. It speaks to all of life and living our lives under the authority and direction of God.

What the Lord is Saying: The previous verse focused on giving freely, not only finances, but also how we spend our time and the outcome will be that something great will happen to us in return. This verse speaks to a specific outcome or result, that is becoming prosperous. It sort of this opposite idea of achieving prosperity which seems to be of the idea that we need to earn and keep, but the idea is to earn and give. 

Bible Hub says -- "Prosperity includes more than material increase; it encompasses the well-being, stability, joy, and fruitfulness that come from walking in God’s ways." The other idea in this verse is if God is the great provider to begin with then I am able to be generous. Wow, this is hard. I am apt to identify so many needs and so many that need help. Those include my children and just this desire to give them what we have. Wondering how often to give is hard. 

The latter half uses the words 'water' as an action with a result a return or outcome as a reward of being watered. Another translation says "refreshes." As usual with these verses here there is an action and a result. I suppose giving water and being refreshed is the same idea. A good glass of water on a hot day or after hard work is indeed a well needed part of the day. I know I have experienced this after riding the bike a long distance. There is nothing like simply a glass of water to refresh me. But to water others or refresh others is a great feeling. 

The last few weeks I and others have experienced that through the angel tree ministry in calling caregivers of children or relatives of incarcerated individuals and asking them if it is okay to buy them a gift. Many have that need and when they hear that you are giving to them in that way, they light up with joy and excitement and thankfulness. 

We have a new employee at work that loves to pass along food to others and give in that way. She is not a big gal necessarily, but has a great heart for others in wanting to share food or share what she has made with others. That is a wonderful giving spirit that she has and in that way she is refreshing me and others. 

I saw this list on https://www.preceptaustin.org/proverbs_sermons in commentary to this verse and other verses in Proverbs after a reading in which the goal was to find ideas that speak of being a refreshment to others. 

1. Project Friendliness - my personal observation is I struggle with this demeanor. I'm often walking around analyzing and figuring out what I am going to do and definitely don't look friendly. I can be in conversations, but I could work on my demeanor. I have my moments. 
2. Practicing Kindness - this is acting in way towards others with care and concern, compassion and carefulness and being encouraging without expecting anything in return. It is thinking of others first. 
3. Displaying Cheerfulness - Once again, my demeanor is often not this. But I should plan to show more cheerfulness. I think I do try to do this often when I pass people - simply to smile or say hello. That litter interaction. 
4. Cultivating Patience - I definitely struggle with patience because in my mind I have a list of so many things to do. It is very hard for me to think about being patient. People often want to talk at work. I do at times, but more often I am wanting to get busy with something. My wife thinks I am not patient driving, seizing opportunities to sprint off in the car. And sure I want to go to the shortest line at the store. God, help me to be patient. 

I think this attitude of being refreshing or cheerful toward others is letting that person know by those expressions that they are important to you. And that is very appealing to people. 

Prayer: Lord, I love these verses and these ideas to focus on others. Jesus you gave the command to love others as ourselves and this reminds me of the great need to give to others my time and resources. Help me in this Lord. Help me also prepare for the day I depart and giving to those sacrificially upon my death. Help me also to take care of myself physically so I can give to others on this earth, my wife but others in need. Let this be my focus more and more. Spending time and being together. 

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