Of the Practice of Covetousness in Spending
Covetousness in spending can manifest in two ways: being too stingy or too extravagant with one's resources.
William Gouge preaches about the manifestation of covetous practices in spending, highlighting two ways: being too sparing and niggardly in all things, neglecting necessities for oneself and others, and being too prodigal in certain areas while neglecting works of charity and contributions. He references Ecclesiastes 6:2 to illustrate the imbalance of wealth and lack of satisfaction, and examples from 1 Samuel 25 and Luke 16 to depict individuals who were lavish in personal indulgence but lacked generosity towards those in need.
Text
A covetous practice in spending is manifested two ways:
1. By spending too sparingly and too niggardly in all things, as when men live under their degree and place, when they regard not decency in apparel or other like things, when they afford not necessaries to themselves or to those that are under their charge- these are pinch-pennies. Thus doth the wise man set out such a one, 'A man to whom God hath given riches, wealth, and honour, so that he wanteth nothing for his soul of all that he desireth: yet God giveth him not power to eat thereof,' Eccles. vi. 2.
2. By being too prodigal in some things, as in housekeeping, in apparel, in their pleasures on themselves, wives, and children, but are too strait-handed in all works of charity, and in contributions to church and state. Nabal was such a one. He made a feast in his house 'like the feast of a king,' but yet refused to refresh David's soldiers in their necessity with any part of his provision, 1 Sam. xxv. 11, 36. And such a one was Dives; he was 'clothed himself in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day,' yet refused to feed Lazarus with the crumbs that fell from his table, Luke xvi. 19, etc. These may be counted pound-prodigal, and penny-covetous.
Sermon Outline
- Two ways of covetous practice in spending
- Examples of such practices
- Nabal's refusal to help David's soldiers
- Dives' refusal to help Lazarus
Key Quotes
“A man to whom God hath given riches, wealth, and honour, so that he wanteth nothing for his soul of all that he desireth: yet God giveth him not power to eat thereof,” — William Gouge
“These may be counted pound-prodigal, and penny-covetous.” — William Gouge
Application Points
- Be mindful of your priorities and be generous with your resources, especially in works of charity.
- Avoid being too stingy or too extravagant in your spending habits.
- Balance your spending habits by being responsible and frugal in your spending.