Proverbs 25:14

14Whoever falsely boasts of giving
Is like clouds and wind without rain.
-Proverbs 25:14

We have a critical example of one particular couple who lied about their giving in the book of Acts. Ananias and Sapphira fell to a very swift judgment in that moment. As much as I would love to break down that story, we hardly have the time over a small devotion. Consider what a cloud without water is. We see this imagery in Scripture repeated a few times. It is a cloud without substance. A cloud is supposed to testify of rain. If you go out on a cloudy and windy day, most of us would anticipate rain. We could smell it on the air, and some of us feel it in our bones. But what if that were the only experience we were to have? We would consider the clouds liars.

In our modern day, we take a grim approach to clouds. We say it symbolizes gloom and sadness. However, in bible times, they served as a testament of provision! It was a good thing! Crops could not grow without rain. Famine would break out without rain. Seeing clouds and having the wind meant it was time for rain. Imagine being in a famine where you have not seen rain for months or even years, and you see clouds rolling in and wind blowing. You'd start to rejoice! Only after it has past and the rain did not fall do you find yourself grieving all the more bitterly. This is the same affect that one who falsely boasts of giving is like.

Consider this as we prepare for a day of giving of thanks! Be sincere and genuine in your thanksgiving. Give praise and honor and glory to the Lord for your life, your family, your salvation, and your future with Him. Delight in giving thanks and do not falsify it. Let your testimony and witness be true.