Text: Proverbs 3:9-12 (ESV)   9 Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; 10 then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.   11 My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline or be weary of his reproof, 12 for the Lord reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights.   PROSPERITY & DISCIPLINE FROM THE FATHER   Verses 9 & 10 promise that the Lord will reward faithful giving. In Deut 28:10-12, the Lord promises to Israel: "And the LORD will make you abound in prosperity…The Lord will open to you his good treasury, the heavens, to give the rain to your land in its season and to bless all the work of your hands." We should interpret this according to context as always in interpreting scriptures. These are meant for the nation of Israel, not for all people at all times. A "proverb," by definition, is a general statement or a wise saying. Solomon is not making a 100% guarantee to all people in all circumstances. And yet, those who honor God set themselves up for better outcomes than those who live in rebellion.   Giving back our wealth to God should be done to honor to the Lord. Nothing else and nothing less. There should not be an ulterior motive of neither ‘bribing’ nor ‘coercing’ God. Remember, God blesses people with material blessings not as His reciprocation but for His nature of benevolence. God is good to give sunshine and rain to everyone indiscriminately. Remember, those who honor God, He will honor at the end.[1 Sam 2:30]   But God’s blessings are not always a sign of prosperity. Sometimes he may show his love by allowing people to meet difficulties, with the purpose of correcting faults and improving character (v.11-12). Material blessings may corrupt our hearts. As Paul warned, “ For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.’[1 Tim 6:10].   God chastens us because He loves us. As Heb 12:4,5 says; “4 In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5 And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. 6 For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.”   Listen and FOLLOW us on our podcast ------------------------- Visit and FOLLOW Gospel Light Filipino on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram