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Book of Proverbs - Chapter 3 - Verse 9

3:9
Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:

Meaning

In this verse, it is emphasized that one should honor the Lord with their possessions and with the first harvest of their crops. This instruction encourages believers to give back to God a portion of what they have been blessed with. By offering the firstfruits of their increase, individuals demonstrate their gratitude and trust in the Lord's provision. This act of giving acknowledges God as the ultimate source of all that they have and symbolizes their commitment to putting Him first in their lives. The verse highlights the importance of generosity, stewardship, and obedience in honoring God and recognizing His sovereignty over all aspects of their lives. By honoring the Lord with their substance and firstfruits, believers align themselves with His will and seek to establish a deeper connection with Him through their actions and offerings.

Theological Overview

When examining the verse "Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase," we can see a clear directive from God to His people to show reverence and respect for Him through their giving. The word "substance" can be understood as referring to the material possessions and wealth that individuals have been blessed with by God. By honoring the Lord with their substance, believers are acknowledging that all they have ultimately belongs to Him and expressing their gratitude for His provision. The mention of "firstfruits" highlights the importance of giving God the best of what we have, not just what is left over after we have used what we think we need. This act of giving the firstfruits of our increase demonstrates our trust in God's provision for our future needs and our willingness to put Him first in our lives. In this way, the verse encourages believers to prioritize their relationship with God above all else and to show their devotion to Him through generous and sacrificial giving.

American Standard Version

Honor Jehovah with thy substance, And with the first-fruits of all thine increase:
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