Thought for the Day

Verse 8 - The wise will be commended for their wisdom, while those who practice perverse deeds will be despised. Society at large praises the good deeds of people and condemns their evil deeds. Jesus Himself was known as One who went about doing good (Acts 10:38). As God's children, we also should be known for good deeds.

Verse 9 - One who works to support himself may not be highly esteemed by the world, but is better off than someone that considers himself important, and yet is too poor to buy food. Such a man is too proud to ask for help when he needs it. We all need the help of others at times. Even the wealthiest man must depend on other people. We came into the world as helpless babies, needing someone to care for us. God created us to need Him first of all, and then to need each other. Men need women, women need men, children need their parents and older people need younger ones to help and care for them as they age.

For many people, giving is easier than receiving. We should learn to do both, just as the Apostle Paul did. He supported himself and those with him (Acts 20:34) and later, while in prison, was supported by others (Philippians 2:25). We must learn not to be too proud to admit our needs and receive help, and also to be willing to help with the genuine needs of others.

We should not stop at just providing for our families; we should also help those on the outside. Giving to God's work spreads the good news of Jesus Christ to the world. When people's hearts are changed, they find permanent solutions to their problems. We can feed the poor, but they will remain poor unless they change their ways. There is a saying: "Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime."

When people are born again and obey God, He can lead them out of their bondage and poverty. "But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work..." (2 Corinthians 9:6-9).