Leftovers Again!

Read Proverbs 3:1-35

1. Never forget the things I have taught you. Store my commands in your heart.
2. If you do this, you will live many years, and your life will be satisfying.
3. Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart.
4. Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will earn a good reputation.
5. Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.
6. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.
7. Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil.
8. Then you will have healing for your body and strength for your bones.
9. Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce.
10. Then he will fill your barns with grain, and your vats will overflow with good wine. Proverbs 3:1-10

Some people absolutely love leftovers for dinner. Other people just plain dislike them, preferring a freshly made meal every night.

Although leftovers from meals are good, other kinds of “leftovers” can cause problems. For instance, giving your spouse a little time at the end of a day rather than investing your free time with him or her is not a good idea. The same applies to our relationships with God. As you read this chapter, hear the challenge to give God your best part, not your leftovers.

This chapter also has lessons on how to live a long and prosperous life; how to make good choices; the benefits of wisdom; and how to treat one’s neighbor.

God wants us to honor him with the “best part” of what we earn (Proverbs 3:9-10). The “best part” refers to the practice of giving to God the first and best portion of the harvest (see Deuteronomy 26:9-11).

For Christians today, this means writing the first check from their income to their local church or other Christian ministry. Unfortunately, many Christians give God what is left after they pay the bills and buy groceries. Then if they can afford to donate anything, they do so. But it is better to give God the first part of our income. This demonstrates that God, not possessions, has top place in our lives and that our resources belong to him—we are only managers of what he has given us. Giving to God first helps us conquer greed, helps us properly manage God’s resources, demonstrates our faith in God to provide for our needs, and prepares us to receive his special blessings.