Arrogant Generosity

(Proverbs 22:9 KJV)  He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor.

This is a command with a consequence.  The result is being “blessed” (1288).  This word has an interesting nuance as you look at the definition.  One aspect of it is to kneel.  It is not translated that way frequently, I could only find two place, but it made me wonder.  Look at it here.

(Psalms 95:6 KJV)  O come, let us worship and bow down: let us “kneel” (1288) before the LORD our maker.

This makes my mind go to attitude.  We are to share with those in need but we need to check our motivation and sense of self-righteousness when we do it.  It is easy to look down on people when we expend what should be the hand of compassion.  It is easy to become satisfied with how well we are doing.  Becoming puffed up is hard to resist. 

So?  Be generous but do it from your knees.  You are blessed because God has blessed you, not because you are such a fine person.  You are blessed so that you can bless others.  It is an act of worship and submission.