Bible and Provisionமாதிரி

What do you need?

How much is enough? This is a question that can occupy you for a very long time.

It is also an essential question for believers who want to follow Christ with their money and goods.

Throughout the Bible, we see many indications that God will meet all our needs, that He will give us what we need. This gives me an impression of just enough. But what is enough? God will provide me with enough for everything He wants me to do. With that, I have to be content. There is no need for less; there is no need for more.

Agur, the writer of today's proverb, outlines a delicate balance between poverty and wealth, with too little or too much.

Too much money might tempt me to rely on that money, and I no longer need God’s provision. After all, I have plenty of money; what do I need God for? Or too little money would worry me so much that I would seek ways and means to get money dishonestly. In both cases, we exclude God.

What a beautiful prayer Agur prays. "Feed me with the bread allotted unto me!”

First, Agur acknowledges that provision comes from God: "Feed me!" This implies a certain dependence as a child. Second, it is personal; "the bread allotted to me.” What is allotted to me may differ from yours. It depends on many factors. On the responsibilities I carry, the tasks He gives me, and the living situation He has called me into. The answer to "how much is enough" is different for everyone. Third, Agur asks for bread, the daily necessity of life. God wants us to depend on Him and gives us enough for the day.

Our financial management's outcome should be that God should be recognised and thanked as our Provider.