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Gleaning as a mechanism of generosity

According to Aimee Minnich, in the scriptures, we see at least four recommended uses of capital. We are usually familiar with the first three: charity, tithing, and traditional investment for profit. All of these are worthy of our effort and money, but there is a fourth, and it is called Gleaning; it is one of the most important and least addressed uses of capital.

In the book of Ruth, we see how this Moabite woman gathered wheat from the edges of Boaz’s field, who was a farmer and a businessman. Boaz was following the command of Leviticus [19:9-10] to allow foreigners and needy people to glean or gather.

The Theology of Work Project explains: "Gleaning is a process in which landowners have an obligation to provide poor and marginalized people with access to the means of production (in Leviticus, the land) and to work it themselves. Unlike charity, it does not depend on the generosity of landowners. In this sense, it was much more like a tax than a charitable contribution. Also, unlike charity, it was not given to the poor as a transfer payment. Through gathering or gleaning, the poor earned their living in the same way as the landowners did, working the fields with their own labor. It was simply a command that everyone had the right to access the means of provision created by God." In simple words, it is to make available the assets or means to produce to foreigners and the needy, but they have to work. They will not be given money or products.

We may not see how this is applicable to our modern economy, yet the idea of gleaning is instructive for all of us because it has to do with God's "provision." It is then a matter of giving up a space that God has entrusted to us and that He asks us to give in concession so that others can work and earn their bread, with honesty and hard work, knowing that God has a better perspective on the cycle of provision and blessing for us and our businesses.

Nowadays, there are businessmen who practice gleaning. For example, some, being able to be more efficient or being able to obtain more profits in their businesses, prefer to continue operating with less profit in order to be able to give more means of work to people and families who otherwise would not have to eat. An American businessman started a business inside a prison, despite knowing that they would have higher operating costs, providing work and dignity, and also reducing recidivism. An owner of a mechanic shop let an immigrant work in his shop, allowing him to take a space, and use his tools and [assets] equipment to repair cars.

How good it is to know and articulate this divine mechanism of generosity in everyday business!

For reflection: How can you practice gleaning in your own company or professional platform?