One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.
Proverbs 11:24&25 (ESV)
Capitalism is an economic and political system in which a country’s trade and industry are controlled by private owners for profit, rather than by the state.
Socialism is a political and economic theory of social organization which advocates that the means of production, distribution, and exchange should be owned and regulated by the community as a whole.
I know this is a huge oversimplification but when I think about the major criticism leveled at both systems, I can see the agonizing problems we are experiencing in our country today. Many Americans passionately believe that Capitalism fosters greed and many Americans just as strongly believe that Socialism fosters apathy.
For those among us who favor Capitalism—what is your antidote to greed? For those among us who favor Socialism—what is your antidote to apathy? Whatever your viewpoint, the Bible is clear we each bear individual responsibility for our choices. Romans 14:12 says, So then each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.
My antidote to both systems is a spirit of generosity—the kind found in the context of these verses in the book of Proverbs which contrast giving and tightfistedness. A generous spirit takes giving to a higher level—which flies directly in the faces of both greed and apathy.
Darryl and I were each given a fifty dollar bill by friends for our anniversary. They asked us to use the money to bless someone in need because they knew we would find great enjoyment in giving. They were right! Since we know that giving blesses both the receiver and the giver, then we can also imagine how a generous spirit in this country would release a fountain of blessings flowing over everyone.
Solomon warns in the introduction to the book of Proverbs that many proverbs contradict human understanding. Do I trust the principles of God? Nurturing a generous spirit requires a trust relationship with God to “water” me as He sees fit. This country would be immensely benefitted if a generous spirit flowed from both sides in these conflicted times. That makes sense to me!
*Notes from The Complete Biblical Library, part 1, a 16-volume study series on the New Testament. Volume 5: STUDY BIBLE, JOHN. World copyright 1986 by Thoralf Gilbrant and Tor Inge Gilbrant