“He is ever lending generously, and his children become a blessing.” Psalms 37:26
While Proverbs 31 has been attributed to the virtuous and godly woman, Psalms 37 addresses righteousness in a man. I particularly like Psalms 37:23 which tells us that “the steps of a righteous man are ordered by the Lord” – which means that He makes effective and efficient use of our lives.
It is in this context that we now examine the man who walks in His ways. One of these attributes that we observe is a spirit of generosity in lending, and the verse suggests its influence on the next generation. The children of those who are generous catch on generosity and they in turn, become a blessing.
The spirit that acts in opposition to the spirit of generosity is a spirit of selfishness. Rooted in the “I, me, myself”, we act in self-preservation in the hope that we can get ahead in life. We desire control over everything and act like owners rather than stewards. Yes, there is a difference between the two and it behooves us to remind ourselves again if we have forgotten.
There are two ways through which we can break the spirit of selfishness.
Firstly, being deliberately generous. Give when you don’t feel like it, and generously too. Take baby steps in the quantum and increase it over time.
Secondly, visualise how the next generation can become a blessing and impart to them generosity by being an example in it. This catches on and they will be empowered to be a blessing.
Let Him order your steps and the steps of the next generation.