Useful Bible Studies > 2 Corinthians Commentary > chapter 9

Are my gifts a waste of money?

2 Corinthians 9:9

When people give generously, they often worry about it. God’s people should not worry about the loss of money, because God promises to provide for them*. However, perhaps they do not worry about its loss; but they worry that they are wasting the money. In other words, they are anxious for their gift to achieve its proper purpose. They want their gift to achieve a real result, a result that lasts.

As Corinth’s Christians prepared their own gifts, Paul reminded them about Psalm 112. His words in 2 Corinthians 9:9 come from Psalm 112:9. That Psalm describes the character of a good man. He does not keep his money for himself, like a greedy person who desires wealth. Instead, he gives generously. He gives to many poor people. So he does not hold onto his money; he scatters it. Many people, both near and far away, have every reason to be grateful for his gifts.

That good man has not wasted his money. His gifts achieve wonderful things in the lives of many people. His righteous (good) acts achieve results that never end. That is because this man does God’s work; and the results of God’s work last always.

The Psalm ends with the contrast of a wicked man. That man too, desired to achieve great things in his life. Perhaps many people even thought that he was truly great. However, nothing in his life can last. He must die, and God’s judgement will be against him. So, that wicked man is the kind of person who truly wastes his money, his life, and everything else, too*.

Next part: God, the great provider (9:10)

 

* See complete article for these Bible references.

To download all our articles, including our 700+ page book in PDF format, please go to our download page.

 

© 2016, Keith Simons.