Work and Give
Drs. Rodney & Adonica Howard-BrownePublish date: 09/06/2026
Foundation Scriptures:
2 Kings 4:1-7
1. The Key.
a. The widow of one of the sons of the prophets had two sons and was in debt with no way to repay it.
b. Elisha did not meet her need by giving her money or stuff.
c. He gave her a Word from the Lord and a key to multiply what she already had.
d. She had to believe the Word of the Lord.
e. She had to act on the Word of the Lord.
f. She had to observe and follow specific directions.
g. She had to apply discretion and keep to herself what she was told to do.
h. She had to pour out something she already owned/had in her hand.
i. After she received the provision, she went back to ask for further instructions.
j. She needed to know how to steward what she had been given.
2. What Comes Next.
a. We can safely presume that once they were out of debt, the family would’ve invested the money they had into something that continued to sustain them all.
b. We can presume this because, in the Word of God:
– Laziness (slothfulness) is discouraged.
– Selfishness is not tolerated.
– Working for a living is encouraged; even mandated.
– Giving back is commanded.
3. Don’t Be Lazy.
a. The Bible describes the lazy, slothful person as being unteachable, careless, and indifferent; refusing to work, making excuses, and procrastinating; wasters of time, opportunity, and abilities; wishful thinkers and delusional (wise in their own conceits); void of understanding and having no business sense.
b. They think they know everything and will receive neither instruction nor correction.
c. Proverbs 12:24 AMPC –– The hand of the diligent will rule, but the slothful will be put to forced labor.
d. Lazy, irresponsible people have a servant mentality.
e. They will always be the borrower and never the lender nor the owner.
f. Proverbs 21:25-26 AMPC –– The desire of the slothful kills him, for his hands refuse to labor. 26 He covets greedily all the day long, but the [uncompromisingly] righteous gives and does not withhold.
4. Work and Be Productive.
a. The key is to put in the work and to also be faithful in your tithes, offerings, and giving.
b. 2 Thessalonians 3:10 KJV –– For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.
c. 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12
d. Do all you can to live a peaceful life.
e. Mind your own business.
f. Earn your own living.
g. In this way your life is a testimony to others (non-believers) and you earn their respect.
h. Plus, you will not have to depend on others for what you need.
5. Be a Giver Not a Taker.
a. Don’t steal from God or man.
b. Ephesians 4:28 AMPC –– Let the thief steal no more, but rather let him be industrious, making an honest living with his own hands, so that he may be able to give to those in need.
c. Some people know they shouldn’t steal from people, but they steal from God in their neglect of tithes and offerings.
d. Malachi 3:8 KJV –– Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.
e. Prioritize:
– Kingdom giving/investment.
– Sharing with others.
– Doing what you can do, according to what you have, and according to your abilities and the blessing on your life.
6. Wealthy AND Blessed.
a. Religion separates material blessing from spiritual blessing, but the Word of God always links them together.
b. 1 Timothy 6:10 KJV –– For the love of money is the root of all evil.
c. Priorities are what creates the conditions for either blessings or lack.
d. 1 Timothy 6:17-19 AMPC
e. How to be wealthy and blessed, spiritually and materially:
f. Remember where the blessing comes from.
g. Always be grateful.
h. Never be proud or arrogant or begin to believe that your own wisdom or abilities were the source or key to your blessing.
i. Yes, you put in the work and the effort, but your attitude determines whether what you produce is a blessing to you—or a burden or curse.
j. Never forget that God is your source and supply, and you are the steward of everything He places in your hand—whether it is small or big.
k. Never look down on others for any reason—rather, be compassionate.
l. Don’t set your hope and trust on material things.
m. Prioritize the kingdom of God in your finances.
n. Do good.
o. Be rich in good works.
p. Be liberal and generous of heart.
q. Be ready to share with others.
r. Invest in eternal things.
s. Instead of laying up treasures on the earth, lay them up in Heaven.
t. This is a good foundation for the future—here on earth and in eternity.
7. God Will Establish and Bless the Work of Your Hands.
a. Your obedience to acknowledge the blessing of the Lord by your giving—with a grateful heart and generous hand—will invoke the blessing of Heaven upon all your endeavors.
b. Psalm 90:17 AMPC –– *And let the beauty and delightfulness and favor of the Lord our God be upon us; confirm and establish the work of our hands… *
c. Deuteronomy 28:12 KJV –– The Lord shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand…
d. Deuteronomy 30:9 AMPC –– And the Lord your God will make you abundantly prosperous in every work of your hand…