“People curse the one who hoards grain, but they pray God’s blessing on the one who is willing to sell.”
I have often been disappointed by people that seem to expect business leaders to give away their products and services when they are run by Christians. God calls business people to do excellent business. Sometimes they desire to donate their products and services. That’s a wonderful thing. However, that should always be a gift from the Lord and a pleasant surprise to the receiver. In this verse Solomon is intentionally not comparing the hoarder with the giver. This is a comparison between the one who holds onto their product to intentionally get the price higher. We have heard warnings about this practice when there are natural disasters. A business whose product is badly needed might be accused of raising the cost even though their supply is plentiful just because people have become desperate for it. Gas is almost always mentioned. Early in the covid pandemic it appeared to be paper products. Whatever it is this passage strongly warns about the practice. St Chrysostom says about this person that they are, “a common enemy of the blessings of the world, and a foe to the liberality of the Lord of the world”. The opposite is a good example of the cheerful giver from Paul’s letter to the Corinthians. So make a profit, it’s your responsibility but, be reasonable, kind and generous in the process. The challenge is in finding and keeping it balanced. Today do what’s right. #BeTheEdge
“…for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7b NIV
