Gifts Applied

(Proverbs 12:14 KJV)  A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth: and the recompence of a man's hands shall be rendered unto him.

At first this seems like an observation.  On rereading, it seems like it might be a command to be “satisfied” (7646).  I guess this is another case of both/and instead of either/or.

This is another approach to the Protestant Work Ethic, aka Bible Work Ethic.  We are expected to work and produce in our lives.  God doesn’t really have a lot of time for parasites.  What I like about this verse is that it extends the concept of work beyond being a farmer.  This verse reminds us that there are many ways to contribute to the world, society and the kingdom.

Some of us contribute the “fruit” (6529) of our “mouth" (words NASB) (6310).  We are talkers and writers.  Give me a board, a square and a saw and I will produce a mess.  Give me a word processor and I will show you how to make it sing.

Some of us contribute the “recompense" (deeds NASB) (1576) of our “hands” (3027).  If you go back and read the sections about the building of the tabernacle, you will see that the gift of craftsmanship was given by the Holy Spirit.  In my mind that puts it on the list of spiritual gifts.  You can be a carpenter for Jesus just as readily as a preacher. 

Some are so blessed that they can contribute in both areas.  I think of such overlooked contributions as mothering children or making your home the playground for neighborhood children who have no adults at home.

So?  Accept who you are.  If you take a back seat let it be because Jesus is teaching someone else to drive.  Be a blessing in your way, not the way your older brother does it.