Title of the Study: Five Key Benefits of Reading Proverbs: #5 - Living Justly and Generously
Key Themes and Scriptures:
Justice and generosity as essential traits of godly wisdom.
Caring for the poor is equated with serving God Himself.
Christ as the ultimate model of generosity and justice.
Key Scripture:
Proverbs 19:17
“Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.”
Explanation:
Proverbs teaches that generosity and justice are not optional—they are central to godly living. When we are kind to the poor or extend mercy to the vulnerable, we are lending to the Lord Himself.
This reveals God’s heart for justice and compassion. Such actions are seen by God and rewarded in His timing and way. Proverbs shapes us into people who live generously and justly in response to God’s character.
Christ Connection:
In Matthew 25:40, Jesus says, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
Jesus personally identifies with the poor and the marginalized. He is the ultimate example of generosity—laying down His life to give us eternal life. Our acts of justice and mercy mirror His heart and mission.
Commentary Insight (Charles Bridges):
“The generous heart acts not only in human kindness but in divine fellowship. What is done to the poor is reckoned by God as done to Himself.”
Three Scriptures that Highlight the Subject:
Proverbs 14:31
“Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.”
Ask: What is your understanding of this scripture?
2 Corinthians 9:6–8
“Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously… God loves a cheerful giver.”
Ask: What is your understanding of this scripture?
Micah 6:8
“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
Ask: What is your understanding of this scripture?
Discussion Questions (Life Application):
How does understanding generosity as “lending to the Lord” change your perspective on giving?
Are there areas where God is calling you to live more justly or give more generously?
What are practical ways we can reflect God’s heart for justice and mercy in our community?
Action Steps (Next Two Weeks):
Generosity Challenge: Look for a specific opportunity to give to someone in need (financially, time, or resources), treating it as lending to the Lord.
Study Justice: Spend time meditating on Micah 6:8 and journal how you can better act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly.
Community Engagement: Find a local outreach or charity to support or volunteer with, reflecting God’s justice and mercy in action.
Go Round the Room – Key Takeaway:
Ask each person: What is one key takeaway from today’s study that challenges or inspires you toward living justly and generously?