Proverbs 31:20

She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.


Stretcheth- The Virtuous Woman had NO problem giving to the poor. Her heart had a willingness to give.
2 Corinthians 9:7 - “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity; for God loveth a cheerful giver.”

Many people have physical needs, but who are ‘the poor’? The poor are not people on welfare who WON’T get a job, but those who are truly struggling to feed their family and pay their bills. I personally do not suggest giving money to those who appear to be poor, but to give them food or other necessities such as shampoo, razors, bathroom tissue, etc., if you are able. These days it’s hard to tell who really needs money or if they just want money for drugs or alcohol, or even junk food. It is also difficult to discern between who is needy and who just simply takes advantage of others who seem to have more than they do. These days, many people tend to be people-users, unfortunately. But the Lord showed us one day, after spending several hours and quite a bit of gas helping someone, that if we were expecting something back from that person in return for what we had done for them, then it wasn't truly doing it out of a pure heart to please God. That was when He really showed us what 'being USED of God' truly means. If others do use us or take advantage of us, we must remember Who we are serving and Who gave us the money or abilities to help them in the first place. He owns it ALL! Giving to the ‘poor’ is not just an Old Testament teaching. Paul says in Galatians 2:10 -”Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do.” Sometimes, we may be aware we are being defrauded by helping someone who really doesn’t need help, but perhaps God will honor our heart for giving.

More importantly are a person’s spiritual needs. We should always be available to help others spiritually, as well as be concerned for their souls. A gospel tract is a great way to witness to others, especially if we’re too shy to talk, or if we don’t feel confident enough in the Scriptures to tell someone about how to be saved. But we should always listen for God to speak to us and lead us to those who are needy spiritually. 1 Thessalonians 5:19 - “Quench not the Spirit.” Sometimes people will be brought into your life unexpectedly, needing help, and God will use us just because we are willing. Again, being 'used of God'!

We can also give spiritual help by encouraging others that are already saved, but just need a friend sometimes:
-a lonely, single mom
-a divorced woman
-an elderly lady
-someone struggling with the cares of life
-someone whose spouse is in the hospital or nursing home
-a young child whose parents really don’t care about his/her well-being

I would not suggest to a young lady that you should prepare food for a single man. They may get the wrong idea, and it is simply a bad appearance. 1 Thessalonians 5:22 - “Abstain from all appearance of evil.” When we had the cooking class at the church we used to belong to, there was a single man, also a church member, living in the apartment next door to the church. Whenever we had leftover food, we would prepare containers to deliver to people. One particular evening, a young teenage girl in the class wanted to deliver a container to him. I explained to her that even though it may be perfectly innocent, it may happen that someone not knowing her purpose could see her going to or leaving his apartment and get the wrong idea, thus hurting his and her reputations and testimonies. It doesn't take much for rumors to start, whether it is among the public or within the church house. This is also similar to hugging men or communicating too much with them, even in church. I don't hug other men, and I do not like when other women hug my husband, unless we are related. It's just an all-around unclean thing. Call me possessive if you like....I am! :)

God will give us the strength and help we need to help others. We must be submitted and surrendered to Him, and just be willing. I have a friend whose husband left her for another woman, just shortly after their first child was born, which was over six years ago. They went through a divorce, etc., and she had many long, tear-filled, lonely nights. MY words could encourage a little, but it was God's Word that ultimately gave her the help and comfort she needed. She was concerned that she would be alone forever. Actually, to this day she is still single. But I helped her realize that by being in church, being faithful to God and serving Him with her life, if God saw fit to give her another husband, He would do so in His time. And of course, the best place to find a husband would be in church. 1 Thessalonians 5:24 - "Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it."

The words ‘stretcheth’ and ‘reacheth’ show us that The Virtuous Woman made extra effort in helping others. Generally, any time we do help others, it requires sacrifice of something, whether it be money or time. Giving money may be the easiest, but it may not be what the person needs from us. They need our attention and time, and to know that we care, which may be more difficult to give. It may never be easy, but God does expect us to sacrifice ourselves for the benefit of others.

GOD’S WORD WORKS!! And it is the answer for everything!