How can Proverbs 19:6 guide us in being wise stewards of our resources? The Verse in Focus Proverbs 19:6: “Many curry favor with a ruler, and everyone is a friend of a gift giver.” What the Verse Reveals about Money and Motives • Gifts attract people; not all who come close intend to stay when the gifts stop. • Earthly influence (“a ruler”) can be purchased, but it is fragile and fleeting. • The verse exposes the human tendency to leverage resources for personal advantage. Stewardship Principles Drawn from Proverbs 19:6 1. Examine your heart before you open your wallet. – Ask: Am I giving to bless or to buy influence? (cf. Matthew 6:1–4) 2. Invest in relationships, not transactions. – Generosity builds genuine fellowship only when love, not leverage, is the aim (1 John 3:17–18). 3. Refuse to weaponize wealth. – God entrusts resources to serve others, not manipulate them (Proverbs 3:27). 4. Expect temporary returns from manipulative giving—and eternal returns from faithful giving (Luke 16:9, 11). 5. Cultivate contentment, letting God, not people, be your Source of favor (Psalm 20:7). Practicing Discernment in Everyday Giving • Budget for kingdom priorities first (Matthew 6:33). • Give anonymously when possible to keep motives pure (Matthew 6:3). • Support the poor and the gospel, not just the powerful (Proverbs 14:31; Philippians 4:15–17). • Remember that stewardship includes saying no. Declining a request can protect both parties from unhealthy dependency (Proverbs 25:16). Guarding Against Superficial Friendships • Test relationships with time and truth; genuine friends remain when gifts are absent (Proverbs 17:17). • Choose counselors who value wisdom over wealth (Proverbs 13:20). • Model transparency about finances with those you mentor, teaching them to trust God, not gifts (1 Timothy 6:17–19). Aligning Generosity with Eternal Goals • Store treasures in heaven where no moth or rust can destroy (Matthew 6:19–21). • Sow bountifully and cheerfully, confident that God loves such giving (2 Corinthians 9:6–7). • Recognize that every resource is God’s; we are managers awaiting an account (Luke 19:12–13). Takeaway Summary Proverbs 19:6 warns that resources can lure shallow allies. Wise stewards therefore give with pure motives, seek lasting kingdom impact, and trust God—not gifts—to secure true favor and enduring relationships. |
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