Proverbs 3:9 Honor the LORD with your substance, and with the first fruits of all your increase: Under the old dispensation the Divine directions respecting religious observances and the use of property were more precise and definite than they are under the new. With the Jew it was in no sense optional whether or not he should contribute to the maintenance of the institutions of religion, nor whether he should contribute little or much. Under the Christian dispensation giving is voluntary. This may weaken the sense of obligation in many minds. I. THE DUTY HERE ENJOINED. We do not honour the Lord with our substance when we use it for purposes of display or of self-gratification. God is honoured — 1. When we relieve the physical wants of our fellow-creatures. 2. By devoting it to the maintenance of gospel institutions. 3. By employing it for the diffusion of the gospel in the benighted portions of the earth. II. THE PROMISE BY WHICH WE ARE ENCOURAGED TO PERFORM THE DUTY. (W. M. Birchard.) Parallel Verses KJV: Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:WEB: Honor Yahweh with your substance, with the first fruits of all your increase: |
    |