The Proverbial Stink Bug

(Proverbs 19:6 KJV)  Many will intreat the favour of the prince: and every man is a friend to him that giveth gifts.

Have you ever heard the term “noblesse oblige”?  It is a French term.  To get the idea, reverse the words and give them common English meaning.  You get the obligations of nobility.  The term used here carries that meaning.  The “generous” (5081) of the NASB and the “prince” of the KJV should carry the same value.  Thus we have the phrase, “He is a prince of a guy” to mean a generous and gracious person.

The idea of nobility was originally supposed to refer to people who were not only rich and powerful but who used that wealth and power to serve others.  This is where we get the idea of a head of state offering a pardon or clemency. 

In our American thinking we have come to associate nobility with self centered despot who live off the poor and look down their nose at everyone below while kissing up to everyone above.  It may have devolved into that but it was not the original idea.  The blessed were to serve.  That is certainly the Christian concept and standard.

So?  What gifts and situations have you been blessed with?  They are not given to make your life comfortable and lift your own banner.  They are given to you to serve Jesus and others.  People will come to you as the verse implies.  Be a rose, not a stink bug.