I use to read this verse and think I needed to get some cash into the hands of poor people. That is certainly clearly communicated throughout scripture. However Solomon gives us a bigger responsibility in this verse and throughout the book of Proverbs. To him the Lords challenge is that this is a heart issue. Paul refers to this idea in the famous love chapter. 1 Cor. 12 reminds us that, “if a man give all his goods to feed the poor and have not this charity in his heart, it is nothing”. Really though, how can that be, or more precisely, who would do such a thing? I have spent my life in the non-profit world to one extent or another. I have watched the lasting impact of people who donate to charities and ministries that care for the poor. Everything from food, housing, educational and athletic needs have been profoundly blessed by the hearts and wallets of caring people. I have also seen plenty of “duty” donors. Those are the ones whose hearts are not really in it. They feel a duty to donate for a variety of reasons. One of the biggies is that the person who asks them to give can reward them in business. Another one may be that the person asking them to give gave to one of their pet projects so they feel obliged to reciprocate. Whatever the case, God looks at the givers heart. In that same vein He always looks at the heart for every action of His children. Today pray and allow God to direct your heart for the poor and all His people. #BeTheEdge
“The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7b NIV
