The King James Version of 1611 renders the first clause of this verse, “The liberal soul shall be made fat.” While the word fat generally has a negative connotation in North America today, this word has a positive meaning in the text of God’s Word.

God’s Word always views generosity or liberality positively. The Old Testament presents generosity in a positive light, and the New Testament confirms this. The Lord Jesus Himself is quoted in Acts 20:35 as having said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive,” and He sets us the very best example of this virtue.

“God loves a cheerful giver,” 2 Corinthians 9:7 said to those to whom it was addressed then, and it says the same to us who read it today. It encourages us to purpose in heart to give, and not to do this grudgingly or of necessity. The passage goes on to say that God is able to make all grace abound toward us so that we, “always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.” Furthermore, our giving will produce many thanksgivings to God from the hearts of those who benefit from that which we give. They will be praying for us as they glorify God for the obedience of our confession to the gospel of Christ and for the liberal sharing this has produced.

The Lord Jesus Himself urges us to give, and to give generously. He promises us that we shall be given in the measure in which we give. If we wonder why we have needs, could it be that we have been spending on our pleasures and not been giving as we should?