Proverbs 11:24-25 - One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.

The Bible reading from Proverbs 11:24-25 emphasizes the importance of generosity and how it leads to blessing. Verse 24 states that the one who gives freely actually grows richer, while the one who withholds what they should give only suffers want. Verse 25 continues this theme, promising that whoever brings blessing to others through generosity will themselves be enriched and watered in return. The broader context of Proverbs 11 speaks more about generosity and its outcomes. Verses 26-27 show that withholding goods like grain earns people's curses, while selling or distributing such goods earns blessing. Verse 25 uses the metaphor of watering others; when we water others generously, we ourselves get watered. The passage portrays God as a generous giver who blesses those who bless others. Selfishness leads to poverty, but generosity leads to divine blessing and prosperity. The additional documents provided give more background on the principles of generosity and blessing. Passages like Proverbs 22:9, Malachi 3:10, 2 Corinthians 9:6-9, and 1 Corinthians 16:2 establish giving as a spiritual practice that God blesses. Giving should be regular, proportional, cheerful, and generous. When we give freely to God's work and to meet others' needs, God promises to bless us abundantly in return.

The clear message of this Bible reading and the additional documents is that generosity brings blessing. As Proverbs 11:25 declares, 'Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.' This reflects the very nature of our generous God, who promises to abundantly bless and enrich those who bless others. It's easy for us to cling tightly to our money and possessions, especially when times are tough. But these passages challenge me to live with an open hand, not a closed fist. While selfishness leads to poverty of soul and resources, generosity opens the floodgates of heaven's blessing. As we freely give, God faithfully returns blessing to us in turn. I'm reminded that everything I have is a gift from God, entrusted to me as a steward. I should hold it with an open hand, seeking God's wisdom on how to generously share and sow what He has given me. This applies to more than just money - it's also my time, abilities, spiritual gifts, resources, and possessions. As I water others freely in Jesus' name, I can trust God to water me. May we overflow with generosity, freely sharing what God has so lavishly given to us. In the process, we will reap blessing and the joy of partnering with God in His work.

Generous Father, thank You for Your lavish generosity toward us. You have blessed us freely in Christ Jesus, beyond what we could ever deserve or imagine. Give us the grace, wisdom and courage to hold all we have with an open hand. Teach us to give freely, cheerfully and generously, trusting You to water and enrich us in return. Help us overflow with blessing unto others, so that together we can further Your kingdom work. We offer these gifts back to You with grateful and joyful hearts. In Jesus' name, amen.