Discriminating Generosity
So I’ve done a little exploring about potential reasons for
the wisdom writer’s redundancy in Proverbs 31:20. About why he might have thought it important
to say that the wife of noble character extends a helping hand and opens her arms.
But did you notice? That’s
not the only time it happens.
He also describes her taking these actions both with the
needy and the poor, which begs the
question yet again: Why? Why would he repeat himself not once, but
twice?
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Maybe it’s just me, but when I visualize the types of people
I feel “called” to be generous towards, I only see a few folks. Maybe an acquaintance who is out of a job (through
no fault of his own, of course); or a someone who’s been on the receiving end
of unkindness (as long as she did nothing to deserve it); or people who are
sick (with a disease they didn’t contract through unwise choices).
Okay, so I’m exaggerating.
But not as much as I wish I were.
Sadly, my prejudice—something I cleverly refer to as “discernment”—is
nothing new to God. I like reaching out
to a select group of poor people.
The ones that don’t threaten me.
Or my reputation. In fact, I
strongly prefer service opportunities that make me look better.
I’m guessing He doesn’t much appreciate that about me.
Because when I imagine what the wisdom writer had in mind
when he penned the words “poor” and “needy,” the vision isn’t so palatable.
Let’s see: synonyms
for “needy” include afflicted, humble, lowly, and weak. And the word “poor” includes anyone who is in
want, subject to oppression and abuse, needing help and deliverance from his or
her troubles, and/or in a lower socioeconomic class. These may not be folks who are going to pull
themselves up by the bootstraps any time soon.
Which means I may need to be generous on more than one occasion. Maybe I’ll teach them to fish, or maybe not. But I’ll probably be sharing bait for quite
awhile. It’s not going to look so good
on the resume.
The generosity God calls us to isn’t just for the poor
people who are pretty.
In fact, the folks our friend in Proverbs serves are just
the opposite. The word “wretched” might
come to mind. It does in the Hebrew
lexicon. Worthless. Base.
Despicable. Inadequate. Inferior.
Shameful. Vile.
Most of the time, I’d prefer to serve only those who meet my
snobby little list of criterion. But
God’s brand of generosity doesn’t operate in response to such qualifications.
When it comes to my own needs, I’m thankful He doesn’t
discriminate.
Will I extend the same
generosity when I encounter poverty in those around me?
He certainly hopes so.
Really...I just like to read what you write. Even the painful truth here. Ouch. So true that he doesn't discriminate and neither should we. A great challenge here.
ReplyDeleteVery convicting words...thanks, Anne, for challenging us all with them!!
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