Proverbs 3: (9-10)

"Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine."

The Israelites were commanded by the Lord to give the first of their crops to the Lord out of gratitude for his bountiful provisions (Deuteronomy 26:1–3, 9–11). They were also commanded to tithe: to give a tenth of their wealth to the Lord (Numbers 18:21–24). About 400 years after Solomon's death, the Lord accused Israel of robbing Him by not tithing. He ordered: "Bring the full tithe into the storehouse" (Malachi 3:10).

It's important to recognize that tithing was mandated for Israel, not for all people everywhere. Although God does not require Christians to tithe, the idea of giving a portion of our income to God's work is a good start to our giving. We ought to give regularly and proportionately (1 Corinthians 16:2), as well as bountifully (2 Corinthians 9:6) and of one's cheerful free will (2 Corinthians 9:7).

The Lord deems the heart of the giver of greater value than the gift. When Jesus saw a poor widow deposit two small copper coins into the temple's treasury, He commended her, saying, "She out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on" (Mark 12:44).

Deuteronomy 28:11–12, which promises Israel: "And the LORD will make you abound in prosperity…The Lord will open to you his good treasury, the heavens, to give the rain to your land in its season and to bless all the work of your hands." As always, context matters when interpreting these Scriptures. Deuteronomy's promises are meant for the nation of Israel, not for all people at all times. A "proverb," by definition, is a general statement. Solomon is not making an ironclad guarantee to all people in all circumstances. And yet, those who honor God set themselves up for better outcomes than those who live in rebellion.

The Lord has not promised Christians material prosperity in return for faithful giving. However, He has promised to meet all our needs (Matthew 6:33). Paul acknowledged the faithful giving of the Philippian church, and promised, "And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:19). It is noteworthy that he did not say "out of His riches," but "according to His riches." God is a generous giver, but it is unlikely He will pour blessings into a closed hand. He loves and rewards a generous giver.