“There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty” (Prov. 11:24 KJV).
The world says if you want financial increase, hold on to as much money as you can. The more money you hold on to the more you will increase. If you start giving money away to churches and ministries you are going to lose money.
But God says when you give you will increase even more. It is a spiritual law that is higher than natural law. The more you give, the more He gives to you.
Proverbs goes on to say, “…there is that witholdeth (or holds back) more than is meet, and it tends to poverty.” Once again, this is completely different than the world’s understanding of things.
Secular society says hold on to as much as you can and you will increase. God says if you hold back more than you are supposed to hold back, then you are going to decrease.
You will have poverty or lack. And that is not just natural lack. When you hold back more than you should, you are giving access to the curse in your life; and the curse will attack whatever area of your life you are vulnerable in. That could be your kids, your physical health, or your peace of mind, to name a few things.
There are some people who are very rich who don’t know God, and with as much money as they have, they are not happy. It may not be financial poverty, but obviously, there are other types of poverty in life.
Notice that it said they withhold more than they should. In other words, in God’s eyes there is a certain amount of money you should be giving. Well how do you know how much money you should be giving?
Look in the Scriptures:
Number 1 you give the tithe (Mal. 3:10).
Number 2 you give an offering (Mal. 3:8).
Number 3 you give when God tells you to give (Rom. 8:14).
Number 4 you give to the poor (Ps. 41:1).
Notice what Proverbs 11:25 says: “The liberal soul shall be made fat.” He shall be made fat. Well, who is the liberal soul? That word liberal we know means the individual who gives.
Contrary to the world’s plan for financial prosperity, the one who is the giver is the one who will live in abundance.
Are you holding back more that you should?
Scripture References: Mark 10:29-30; John 5:39
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With an undeniable passion for equipping others to experience the future God has for them, André Butler is on a mission to share God’s desire to prosper His people in every area of their lives, and His command for them to do their part in winning the world to Jesus. The Pastor of Faith Xperience Church (FX Church) in the heart of Downtown Detroit, he is a sought-after conference speaker and host known for his practical and relatable approach to preaching God’s word.
An accomplished writer, Andre has penned numerous books. He is also a Screenwriter and Movie Producer and serves as the President of Faith Xperience Films and the Faith Xperience Network.
Andre has been featured in Jet Magazine and Gospel Today, His television broadcast has aired on BET and has won two Telly awards, and the “Streaming Broadcaster of the Year” award from Streaming Faith.
A graduate of Rhema Bible Training Center, Pastor André also holds a bachelor’s degree in Management from Kennesaw State University. He resides in Metro Detroit.