9 Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops;
9 Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:
9 Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce;
9 Honor God with everything you own; give him the first and the best.
9 Honor the Lord with your possessions, And with the firstfruits of all your increase;
9 Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce.
11 If we have sown spiritual seed among you, is it too much if we reap a material harvest from you?
11 If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?
11 If we have sown spiritual things among you, is it too much if we reap material things from you?
11 So if we have planted spiritual seed among you, is it out of line to expect a meal or two from you?
11 If we have sown spiritual things for you, is it a great thing if we reap your material things?
11 Since we have planted spiritual seed among you, aren't we entitled to a harvest of physical food and drink?
(Read 1 Corinthians 9:1-14)
It is not new for a minister to meet with unkind returns for good-will to a people, and diligent and successful services among them. To the cavils of some, the apostle answers, so as to set forth himself as an example of self-denial, for the good of others. He had a right to marry as well as other apostles, and to claim what was needful for his wife, and his children if he had any, from the churches, without labouring with his own hands to get it. Those who seek to do our souls good, should have food provided for them. But he renounced his right, rather than hinder his success by claiming it. It is the people's duty to maintain their minister. He may wave his right, as Paul did; but those transgress a precept of Christ, who deny or withhold due support.
6 Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor.
6 Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.
6 One who is taught the word must share all good things with the one who teaches.
6 Be very sure now, you who have been trained to a self-sufficient maturity, that you enter into a generous common life with those who have trained you, sharing all the good things that you have and experience.
6 Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches.
6 Those who are taught the word of God should provide for their teachers, sharing all good things with them.
(Read Galatians 6:6-11)
Many excuse themselves from the work of religion, though they may make a show, and profess it. They may impose upon others, yet they deceive themselves if they think to impose upon God, who knows their hearts as well as actions; and as he cannot be deceived, so he will not be mocked. Our present time is seed time; in the other world we shall reap as we sow now. As there are two sorts of sowing, one to the flesh, and the other to the Spirit, so will the reckoning be hereafter. Those who live a carnal, sensual life, must expect no other fruit from such a course than misery and ruin. But those who, under the guidance and influences of the Holy Spirit, live a life of faith in Christ, and abound in Christian graces, shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. We are all very apt to tire in duty, particularly in doing good. This we should carefully watch and guard against. Only to perseverance in well-doing is the reward promised. Here is an exhortation to all to do good in their places. We should take care to do good in our life-time, and make this the business of our lives. Especially when fresh occasions offer, and as far as our power reaches.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Proverbs 3:9
Commentary on Proverbs 3:7-12
(Read Proverbs 3:7-12)
There is not a greater enemy to the fear of the Lord in the heart, than self-conceit of our own wisdom. The prudence and sobriety which religion teaches, tend not only to the health of the soul, but to the health of the body. Worldly wealth is but poor substance, yet, such as it is, we must honour God with it; and those that do good with what they have, shall have more to do more good with. Should the Lord visit us with trials and sickness, let us not forget that the exhortation speaks to us as to children, for our good. We must not faint under an affliction, be it ever so heavy and long, not be driven to despair, or use wrong means for relief. The father corrects the son whom he loves, because he loves him, and desires that he may be wise and good. Afflictions are so far from doing God's children any hurt, that, by the grace of God, they promote their holiness.