"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" (Prov. 11:24-25).

The New International Version translates verse 25 of this passage: "A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed."

Now this concept was not thought up by a few preachers who go around the country preaching prosperity. Modern-day man didn't write these words; they were written centuries ago under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

This is not my plan and promise; it is God's plan and promise.

The concept is simple: God has decreed that the person who refreshes others through his gift-giving will himself be similarly refreshed. Verse 24 in The New International Version states that it is possible to give freely and yet gain even more.

Giving is always a refreshment, and those who refresh others with their material goods will themselves be refreshed by the Lord.

If you will refresh others, God will see to it that you are refreshed. If your attitude is "nobody ever gives me anything," then you should know why that is true in your life. It's because you don't give anything to anybody else. You are reaping what you sow.

Some people tell me, "Well, when I need money, I don't give, I just work, work, work."

I also believe that Christians ought to work. God believes that too. In fact, it was His idea. The Bible clearly teaches this spiritual principle. In 1 Timothy 5:8 Paul went so far as to say that "...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."

In 2 Thessalonians 3:10 he writes: "For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat."

Finally, in 1 Thessalonians 4:11,12 (NIV), Paul reminds his readers: "Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody."

The Bible indicates that the reason we should work is so we will not be dependent on others, but will have seed to sow in the lives of those about us in need. Christians, you and I do not work for a living, we work for a giving.

This passage in Proverbs assures us that it is possible to give away and grow richer. The world doesn't understand that principle. They say it is impossible. But Jesus said "...the things which are impossible with men are possible with God" (Luke 18:27). The world says to get all you can, and then hold on to it. God says just the opposite; He says to give.

If you will keep on giving, faithfully and consistently, to refresh others, the Lord will see to it that you are refreshed in turn. He has promised it. I urge you to act on that word of promise.

Source: How God Supplies Your Every Need by Jerry Savelle
Excerpt permission granted by Jerry Savelle Ministries International