After completing your daily reading, come back to chat with fellow Bible readers about any reflections you have on the proverbs, introduction, or questions from today.
Gluttony and generosity are opposites: One involves self-motivated overconsumption while the other focuses on selfless and sacrificial giving.The true problem of gluttony is not about how much we consume—it is a check in our ability to consider others as more important than ourselves (Philippians 2:3–4).
Reflection Questions:
Think of a time you withheld, knowing you should have been generous. Why did you withhold your generosity?
Read Proverbs 3:27–28 again. How does time affect our generosity?
How have you experienced the wisdom found in Proverbs 11:24 in your own life?
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114 thoughts on "Generosity and Gluttony"
Amen ♥️
I think the continuous problem I have is not that the cause is not worthy or that I shouldn’t, it’s always that the time isn’t right, and I will do that next time. Surprise surprise, the moment passes and I forget! I pray that God will help me to pause in the moment and think about it, then just get it done. Why put off until tomorrow what you can do today!
Whilst I always think of giving generously as a monetary gift it was helpful to read another She’s comment that your time can also be a gift. Again, busy me puts off giving my time and those causes are so worthy so before I start with an excuse, I pray that I can pause whilst God talks to me and then use that conviction to give generously!
The more you withhold greedily, the more want you’ll have – in a bad way. I think we can be greedy/gluttonous/selfish in many ways: time, money, acts of kindness. It’s a new perspective to consider myself a glutton for my own time. That is our most valuable resource therefore I should be giving.and serving with what’s given to me.
1. I can think of times when I withheld generosity because I let fear or judgment take over, worrying I wouldn’t have enough or questioning if the person was “worthy”. Looking back, it wasn’t about the money, it was about my own heart. Proverbs reminds me that wisdom is acting when it’s in my power to do good.
2. Proverbs 3:27–28 reminds me that delaying generosity can weaken it, when I put it off, I often talk myself out of it. Time really tests whether I’ll act with compassion now or let the moment slip away.
3. I’ve seen Proverbs 11:24 in my own life: when I give, even if it feels small, I end up feeling fuller. But when I hold back, I don’t feel secure, I just feel anxious. Generosity always leaves me with more peace.
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If you don’t do it in the moment, then you’ll regret it later. I think it’s saying that God doesn’t want us to be over consumers and that we should be generous towards others.
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What a thoughtful topic we have today,
1. “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again”. What a sweet verse. Any fear that holds me back financially is always the fear of lack. Evidently the Lord has always come through. So if my heart tells me to hold back, it is deceiving, I would just do the opposite (with prayers).
2. How does time affect our generosity? With time, giving has become easier. Abandoning things to God has a reward in itself. He has given me wisdom to budget and balance things. However, there are deep water areas where I feel nudged to really abandon it to Him. Scary, but, if it’s You Lord, bid me to come.
3. Proverbs 11:24 has been proven in many lives that I was so privileged to witness, with tears and trembling. It moves me deeply how some of the most generous people are those who don’t really have much at all. They have big hearts. They make room for others. They can give without thinking twice. You cannot be generous and selfish at the same time, unless it is a fake generosity for recognition, Jesus warned about this clearly: “When you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets…to be honored by men” (Matthew 6:2). Or when the heart isn’t cheerful, it can be wrong motive, watch out for the heart, here it comes again, the heart is wicked above all things. God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7). Sometimes I see signs in home decor section or stationary planners that say follow your heart. Don’t lol. Follow the Bible. Be blessed dear sisters.
Good advice, Mercy, on the heart. That erroneous premise has taken a lot of people down to ruin- definitely not the right path!
Luke 6:38 is a great teaching; thank you for sharing it!
Here is the NLT-
“Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.”
interesting note from John MacArthur: “A long robe was used to carry the overflow of grain.”
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I feel like for me, rn this applies to my time. I struggle so hard with time management. Either I cram everything into time frame or nothing happens. There is rarely an invetween. As I have stepped into new rolls of leadership, I am pushed towards my limits. Asking God for wisdom and understanding
I am married to such a generous man who has said many times that he feels like the more he gives, the more the Lord gives back to him. Sometimes the Lord blesses him monetarily, or with great people or amazing experiences. He has helped me to be more generous when I want to keep it all to myself. I thought I was a generous person, until I met my husband.
That’s so beautiful Jennifer ! Thanks for sharing
I love to give until I am tired, weary, drained and then, ugh, giving especially of my time is a struggle. But God, when I choose to give even when I don’t really want to, I find my heart has been changed, or corrected and joy rises up. I love how God helps us to learn how to be generous.
I love the aspect of generosity in all areas of our life!
I am a giver by nature and often put my own needs on the back burner to ensure others are taken care of. I struggle with receiving, because of this, even when the gift is a blessing because of our generosity. Yet, I have also been guilty of withholding. We have lived paycheck to paycheck for as long as I can remember and often times it would fall short, leaving earthly panic in the picture. We have pushed back, changed plans, went without, which I know others are probably saying been there done that or doing that right now. In times of withholding from being generous, the intention was never out of mean spirit but rather was out of fear of could we really do without that (fill in the blank) given the circumstances we are in.
Time always seems to be so precious and yet so limited. There seems to be so much to do and any interruption can spiral the moment. On the flip side that interruption could be a blessing in disguise that we didn’t know we needed, but God did. I’ve personally been on both sides of this spectrum. The idea of ‘stop and smell the roses’ comes to mind in that time shouldn’t be the reason I turn someone away
I have witnessed the principle of giving generously both as a receiver and giver at various times in my lifetime. Blessings abounded! If you have an open hand to God… He has an open hand with you. That open attitude isn’t just monetary it’s a life giving attitude towards many interactions! Love God’s way of teaching us.
I think it is interesting that 11:26 mentions selling grain. I suppose there are ways to be generous when selling. That just hit my ear wrong, maybe.
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For me, it is hard to be generous with my time. I’ve mentioned before that I struggle as a Martha-type personality. (There is always so much to dooooooo!) I need to step back often and realize I can do something later, when generosity calls me to act NOW!
In an agrarian ancient world, with famine always a threat, holding your grain would feel like safety. Selling it could mean you have less to eat next year if next year’s harvest is poor. (I think!)
Me too Adrienne! I was going to say time as well.
In the parable Jesus told about the man who built bigger barns to hold his harvest, he was called a fool. I connected the selling of the grain to this parable that to keep it instead of selling it or giving it away showed lack of trust in God and unwillingness to be generous
Weirdly I’m most selfish with my time. I give money, clothes, food, etc with no problem. But I never had enough time in my younger years. I think this is where that selfishness started. I gave so much as a hairstylist that when I was done with work I was done.
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I remember tithing at church and it was a stretch, but I gave 10% faithfully. Everything always worked out. God is so good!
Think of a time you withheld, knowing you should have been generous. Why did you withhold your generosity? Of course and the guilt is pretty bad. It was out of anger not going to lie. I was being petty.
Read Proverbs 3:27–28 again. How does time affect our generosity? If I’ve learned anything it’s to just give if you have it. You never know what people are going through and if your generosity being delayed could affect them.
How have you experienced the wisdom found in Proverbs 11:24 in your own life? As I’ve grown older I’ve realized that my love language is about giving to others. I do understand that there is some selfishness involved with that since
get a lot of joy when I see people enjoying a present or food or anything I’m gifting. But I also know that when I have withheld something in the past that the guilt I experienced was pretty overwhelming. I would much rather gift even if there’s selfishness involved than withhold.
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A number of years ago I was single and had moved to a new city. I was staying with friends til I could get settled, and found myself inexplicably unemployed (I was a nurse with 20 years of experience) for an extended time. I had money from selling my house, but did not offer much generosity or any tithing during that season. I know it was out of fear and I felt the Spirit’s nudge to trust Him, but I was disobedient and I regret that to this day. I know I missed out on growing in faith and seeing Him provide for me and wish I could have a “do-over.” In God’s kindness, now I am married to a man who was/is wise with his finances and investments and it is a joy to both of us to be generous….but I still wish I had been obedient when I had the opportunity earlier.
If I am understanding correctly, you had no job, so you didn’t have much money to give. That doesn’t sound like something you should’ve felt guilty about. When we don’t have money, we can look for other ways to be generous; it is our hearts God wants, not our money. He has no need of anything from us. Regardless, you can only look forward and be generous now, so show yourself the same kindness, generosity, and forgiveness that you show others. That is what God wants from us.
Well said, Margaret. Great encouragement! ❤
You can learn from your past but don’t allow condemnation to weigh you down.
I recently learned a great lesson about generosity. I am a new Christian. One night at devotion, tithes was explained to me. The following week we started tithing. Now we live paycheck to paycheck because I have several autoimmune disorders. We were very scared to give the $40 tithe that following week. Nonetheless, we obeyed. God kept his promise, and I was in awe! The following day at work fixing a roof, the homeowner gave him a $100 tip! We got out $40 back, and an extra $60! God is good!
Love this! And, welcome to the family of believers!
Yes He is!
What an awesome testimony tk God’s ‘taking care of us’! Thank you for sharing that! ❤
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Forty-five comments before 6:30 AM!! Wow! and THIS was (is) such a great read! Happy Wednesday sweeties! I was filled with memories when reading these passages. GOOD memories. After reading I texted my sweet friend G as I had a wonderful memory when we were both young moms (ahem…I’m eight years older then her). I remember we were both at-home mom’s and our boys were babies (those boys are still best friends today) okay, back to my story. We both were having financial set backs as we adjusted to being at home and one income. I’ll never forget this….she my sweet friend G sent me an encouraging card with a $20 bill that had been her own birthday money. (happy sweet face/heartfelt emoji). God is good! I’m so thankful for her friendship all these years and generosity. I am blessed! AND I’ve witnessed how good God is to her and keeps on blessing her!!
This teared me up. What precious heart she has.
Well God wrecked me a bit this am with a deep dive into my own fears and motivations. And at risk of perpetuating the cycle of feeling a need to be useful, I’m going to be super vulnerable and share in case anyone else is like me.
Real talk. I’m terrified of being useless to others.
As long as I still have “stuff” I still have something to give, I have value, something to contribute.
I’m terrified that if I dont have anything to give, I will be disguarded like an empty tube of toothpaste; useless, and never thought of or cared for again.
My things are currency to buy people’s love, affection and appreciation. Oof
For years, (basically until about 30 minutes ago) I always thought myself extremely generous, but also never wanting to be wasteful, because that’s just foolish and not being a “good steward”. So I would give when specific needs arose, but besides that would often feel this tinge of selfishness, never quite understanding why or where it came from. So this am, as I kept digging through the layers of, “no, that’s a symptom of something else”, starting with what Katie Dankert said about withholding out of fear I may need in the future, I realized its all out of a place of fear I’ll have nothing left to give, which apparently I equate with, having no value to others. And if I have no value, they wont love me anymore. Gah! Lord help me to know that I you will always love me, and that’s enough.
Wow! That’s some deep reflection that resonates. I will be pulling your comments and doing some heart work myself. Thank you!
Love this share, Kari Jae! ❤
Man, this reminds me of my relationship with a certain family member. If I can’t give, I am not received. It’s transactional. True love embraces even if you cannot give. They conditioned you to give. I know how it felt.
Wow Kari Jae thanks for sharing!
So many great comments today. Many of them convicting. I too am an introvert and would rather be on my own. Keeping my pile of “stuff” for me. He has given me everything to share with others, so why hoard what He has freely given? He will pour in more than I can give away.
23:19 NLT
My child, listen and be wise:
Keep your heart on the right course.
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Here we are again with WISDOM being the key, the RIGHT PATH being the key!
If we truly believe that God orders our steps, who are we to question His provision? See the Biblegateway verse of the day below (Isaiah 46:4). Is that not enough assurance?
Isaiah 46:4 NLT
I will be your God throughout your lifetime— until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you.
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Like some of you I am more open to giving generously most times. My husband is more generous when it’s something to appeals to him- his family or a male centered issue. Our church offers many opportunities to be generous and I am thankful for that. I had an opportunity to demonstrate generosity in a very small way last week when a child had his heart set on a specific book but was short one dollar + tax. I was blessed to give him what he needed to walk away glad.
Once many years ago when my youngest and I were in town for a walk on the harbor and ice cream we stopped in the department store. We were looking at children’s books and a lady overheard my son say he wanted a book and she heard me tell him that I only had enough money to get ice cream, not enough for the book. That lady bought the book and told me she was a teacher and never wanted a child to miss out on reading/owning a book. That little act of generosity (about 6 dollars) 30 years ago made such an impact on me. I determined right then to adopt that attitude, so when the book fair comes to school, I always take extra cash!
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I was late this morning and saw lots of comments which I will be responding to throughout the day. You ladies are amazing! As my brain fully awakes, I may add something later. Hahaha!
Love, hugs, and prayers!❤
Haha! I would always buy the book! It lasts much longer. You can never have too many books. (Until you have to pack up and move to another home, but I digress.) Thanks for the lovely story.
Too funny, Margaret, and I agree! I am a book lover, too, and never minded packing them for our many moves!!! I literally only had enough for ice cream (about 3 dollars). We didn’t use a credit card back then, debit cards weren’t a thing, and I didn’t have a checkbook with me so it had to be ice cream! Thanks for your take on that! ❤ Hope things are well with you!
wow, incredible.
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I am new here, and so grateful for you all. My first thought on Proverbs 3:27-28, though I see what it is saying in a literal sense, my heart is also telling me to be gracious with my presence & love with my children even when we are in a time crunch.
I pray I am showing these priceless gifts His love, grave and patience everyday. ❤️
Welcome Sabrina!
Hi, Sabrina, and welcome! Good points! ❤
“generous with my presence” ❤️❤️❤️
Welcome! :)
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I have always been of the mindset that what I have is meant to be shared…time, resources, possessions, money. All I have, is due to the Lord’s provision and its not mine to keep. However, it can be a challenge to steward whatever that is well and although generosity is in of itself a good thing I do need to be discerning, thoughtful and wise. There can be a time when helping hurts and giving can cause enabling. Or, it can be to my own detriment in the context of my time, leading to exhaustion and that is of no benefit to myself, my responsibilities, my husband, etc. The phrase “generous to a fault” can come into play for those of us that are hardwired to be generous.
Lord, all I have and am is yours. Lead me and guide me in what a heart and spirt of generosity looks like and to be wise in giving all that you have provided. Amen
Have just really appreciated the sharing and comments as I have had opportunity to follow along as my wifi/data connection permits. Thank you for praying for me – by God’s grace I have had energy, strength and no issues health wise while with my daughter and the joy and delight of being with her, her husband and our precious grandson is like none other. This time has been an absolute gift and I am so thankful to be here. I only have a couple more days and then will head home and that goodbye is heavy on my heart.
Blessings on your day SRT sisters ❤️
❤ Those goodbyes are the worst!!! Prayers for your mama’s heart as you head home and for safe travels! ❤
wow how fast. Praying you soak in all the sweet memories until next time, and much travel grace for coming back.❤️
Question 2 resonated with me. Sometimes help is needed immediately or right away.
Doing good TODAY may make a difference for someone.
A child or hungry adult maybe hungry today.
The lights maybe cut off today.
Someone may need the paycheck today because they may need a car part or something else crucial for survival.
As a young student, I remember a boss who was notorious for leaving town without signing checks. We were suppose to get paid on Friday’s and it was bad if we had to wait until he returned on Monday.
I think about like this if you hire someone to do yard work pay them that day. If you have a housekeeper or babysitter pay them that day. Unless there is a special arrangement with that person,pay them that day. I know people who live on these daily wage jobs and it can make a difference whether or not they can get groceries or pay for school lunches.
Verse 24: I have seen people give,give, give and never run out. It’s like the loaves and three fishes.
Verse 25 also got my attention. It is you reap what you sow! Such a deep spin on that principal. In Judaism water is a metaphor for Torah and for life.
My husband and I love to give. I pray in this new town we will find people to share our lives with and give to.
Please pray as we start trying out new things in our new area. Please pray we find our place and some friends.
Praying for discernment and right choices… and stepping out in faith. ❤
Praying for a gift of new friendships and community for your family.
Being generous is a blessing to tou and others. As for gluttony…this also is a moral issue,not getting enough of social media…Satan has manipulated this,and people are falling for it hook,line,and sinker. I meant craving social media.
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We can never out give God! Whatever we sow, we reap bountifully in some way in our lives! We should shower others with the same measure of blessing and grace God has poured out on us!
Showers of blessings.
Father help me to be generous with my time and patience as well. In Jesus name, Amen
Amen!
Ooof! Generous with my time AND patience. So. Hard.
Gluttony – first thought is food, overindulging in the most delicious thing, that then becomes something you regret. With other things, I think it can look like hoarding or stinginess. Praying for faith and discernment.
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Generosity … Tithing came to mind when I read Proverbs 11:24, although it is obedience rather than generosity. Praying to be generous in life as God wills.
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Prayer request for a family meeting later this week ahead of some huge decisions that, once made, will likely bring anger and hurt feelings that will be difficult to get past.
Praying Searching!
That sounds difficult. Praying that the decisions made will be wise and in the best interest of those involved and that all will have the eyes and hearts to see and accept what needs to happen.
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Praying for receptive hearts at your family’s gathering Searching.
Praying for your family meeting and the results.
❤Oh, Searching, I am praying for clear heads, pure hearts, listening ears, compassion/understanding, and wisdom for all involved!!! ❤❤❤
Your plate has been full, sister! How about the transplant recoveries? ❤
Praying dear sister that hard emotions be harnessed by the hand of God, abundance of grace and patience and favors be released.
Amen❤️
I am more likely to give than my husband is. Like Katie, fear of not having when he is in need is the root of him withholding generosity. I learned early in our marriage that we have to be in agreement to be generous or resentment creeps in.
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Time affects my generosity, unless it is an emergency, because of seeking discernment. This especially comes into play with the young single mamas I work with. I cannot “rescue” them every time or “fix” the problem with money. I mostly am generous with my time and being an encouraging voice to help them find resources. It is so hard to watch some days.
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What is gained with being generous is breaking the grip that the fear of lack can have on you.
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CHERYL BLOW – how is Alan?
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VICTORIA E – how are things going with your family?
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MICHELLE P – hope you are well ❤️
Yes to your opening statement. Lots of prayer about this.
I too can relate to your words at the start. 33 years in and this remains a challenge for us.
I think helping with time and wisdom is often more generous than helping with money. Time is a true gift of yourself.
I have been doing SRT since January and am so glad I was gifted this. I don’t always comment but have seen myself in so many of all you dear ladies comments. Katie I so relate to your post this morning as this was me at one time. Now I continually ask God who He wants me to bless because of the blessings I have been given. Have a beautiful blessed day ladies!
So glad you’ve joined us
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So glad you are here and hope you will comment more!
Sisters, Katie’s comment isn’t visible to me. Could one of you copy and paste it? Thanks!!!❤
Oops! Never mind pasting. I looked again and saw it! ❤
I often withhold generosity out of fear. Fear that I may need whatever I’m giving for myself later on which also could be seen as selfishness, a need for control, and lack of faith that God will provide what I need.
Yes, fear is a liar.
Yes, all that.
You are not alone in this!
Yes I definitely relate to this.
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me too.
Withholding from another is Withholding from yourself!
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I have for a long time believed that my blessings are to be shared.
I was gifted my home, by my ex. He paid for our family home and then gave it to me.. it has been a place of safety, peace giving, God’s Word, love, sharing of food over the years. The door is not always ajar but it is always open and the key is where it can be found, with instructions.
Giving doesn’t have to be big things that will break the bank, but they do have to be from the heart, and for no other reason!
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Forever thankful for the blessings each day, the smiles of strangers, the helping hand with a door, the packing of my shopping as I slipped in the bath and have hurt my ribs, the “let me help you..” statement when my hands are full..
I recently walked into a shoe menders, with a flapping sole. He glued it, fixing it in place, I took my purse out, he said “on the house”. He did not withhold, he gave, and freely too. Yes, it may have been a small act, but to me, a generous act and a blessing!
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BUT GOD..
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He holds nothing back, why should we?
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Amen..
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Happy Wednesday my loves..♥️
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Amen❤️
Giving from the heart ❤️
GOD HOLDS NOTHING BACK, WHY SHOULD WE???
What a profound thou
❤️ God holds nothing back….thanks for this
God holds nothing back, why should we?
Absolutely!!
Hugs to you ❤️
XO
Beautiful, Tina ❤️
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These passages have made me realise how much I prioritise my own comfort.
I don’t think I’m very generous with my time. In my heart, I know this is wrong, but I talk myself out of social occasions with the 20-30 group at church by saying things like ‘oh it’ll just be awkward’ or ‘I’ve just gathered with God’s people at the service, so I don’t need to go further’. I also see the idol of comfort rising up, as I’m naturally more of an introvert, so I know that I find it quite uncomfortable being in a group.
The thing is, by doing this, I’m not being patient or giving time for relationships to grow, even though God has called me to be part of this community of people. They, on the other hand, are generous with their time, and they are reaping the rewards of strong relationships as a result.
Regarding time delay, sometimes I think ‘when I move closer to the church, then I will be able to do more social things’. But I wouldn’t have addressed the bigger problem in my heart, which is that I make so much effort to make sure that I’m comfortable.
Another problem is that it leads me to forming stronger bonds with non-Christians at work. I pray that God is using me as a witness here, but I also know that the more I spend time with them, I am essentially a coal that has been taken out of the fire – I’m in danger of growing cool.
So thankful for this community- I thank God that women around the world we are reading the Proverbs this morning ! Please God may it change us.
Thank you for sharing and I also relate. I’m more naturally an introvert and feel I can be selfish with my time. We have been parishioners of our church for 4 years now and I’ve also said “well I have small children and it’s hard to find a sitter, etc.” This is true but I also haven’t put forth more effort to insert myself at church. Our son just started preschool at our church and I pray we use this opportunity to make connections.
Such great points on being generous with your time. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for putting your honest reflection down – I can so relate. Generosity reminds me not to withhold good when it is in my power to give, not just financial; is about time, kindness, goodness, encouragement.
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Thank you for sharing your heart here. I am also more naturally introverted and experienced the same reactions. It is safer to protect ourselves rather than risk that open door. From personal experience, I am over 50, take small steps, pray beforehand and you can then go into that space or group knowing God is walking with you.
Thank you for putting your thoughts in writing, Mary. I can also relate so much to this. I have a very hard time getting myself involved and sharing my time with others.
You nailed it, Mary.
Ooof!
Making an idol of comfort. You hit me right in the heart with that, Mary. As I’ve gotten older, my comfort has become more important to me. Today, you helped me realize its become more important than helping other people. What a sin! I have some repenting and changing to do.
Thanks, Mary for sharing your emotional experience in this! ❤