It doesn’t require a keen eye for detail on the part of the Bible reader to see that there are quite a number of paradoxes contained in the Great Book. What is a paradox? It is “a seemingly absurd or contradictory statement or proposition which when investigated may prove to be well founded or true.”
Some of the more provocative paradoxical statements are made by the Lord Jesus. For example:
“If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all (Mark 9:35).”
“For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it (Mar 8:35).”
Paradoxical statements, when used and understood correctly in context, are thought-provoking and effective to hit home salient points.
We find in the book of Proverbs two such paradoxical statements that still ring loud and true in our times.
“There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty. The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself (Pro 11:24-25).”
Many of us are taught from young to imbibe the values of a culture that seeks to gain more and own more. After all, isn’t success most easily measured by materialism (or higher scores in tests, for that matter)?
A side effect of this is the breeding of a scarcity mentality—more for you means less for me. It also feeds selfishness, an unwillingness to give of one’s possessions (usually in the form of money) in aid of others.
Most of us likely have no problem giving when we have plenty to spare and might feel an obligation to do so. But we are just as quick to justify refraining from giving whenever we feel we have a right to first take care of our own “needs”.
Yes, we ought to take care of our own needs. “…this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat (2Th 3:10).” True, we ought to provide for our families. “But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel (1Ti 5:8).”
Yet how often have we withheld from giving, not because we have needs of our own or loved ones to provide for and none to spare but because we simply are unwilling?
This attitude of selfishness can creep into the church in our giving and benevolent work, if it isn’t already wreaking its nefarious influence.
Solomon tells us of one who gives freely yet grows all the richer, and the other withholds what he should give, and only suffers poverty. Such is the paradox. Withholding what we should give doesn’t build up our wealth. In fact, it makes us poorer.
It doesn’t mean that the ‘Scrooge’ will wake up one day to find his investments down the drain and his bank accounts emptied by fraud. But think about this: will a miserly person have the love, respect and gratitude of others?
The one who gives liberally is rich in the affections and respect of his neighbours while everybody dislikes and distrusts Scrooge and shuns him.
The wise king further tells us: “He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again (Pro 19:17).”
What will we do with the blessings we have if we realised that they all come from Him? What will we do with the blessings we have if we realised that by giving liberally we are only returning to Him what belong to Him in the first place? And on top of that, He will add to our blessings?
The one who refuses to share his blessings cannot reasonably expect further such blessings from the Lord, can he? He should realise that God has the prerogative to take back His blessings from those too miserly to share.
Solomon says, in today’s expression: “Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.”
No one remains on the mountain top forever. One day he might be the king of the hill, the next he might be the pauper on the street. Perhaps things will not be so drastic but all of us experience times in life when we need a helping hand.
The need may not be monetary. It may be mental or emotional support we need. If we have been liberal in watering, when the times come and we need watering, there will be no lack of water-givers.
Lest anyone should suppose that this is some form of perverse, twisted and despicable ‘prosperity gospel’ which deceive the simple, let it be known that as our God is a liberal, compassionate Giver, so He expects His children to be liberal, compassionate givers.
“But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver (2Co 9:6-7).”
Jurong Outreach 