3 wise questions to evaluate Motives

 Read Proverbs 23.

In the opening verses of this chapter Solomon warns "do not" four times.  His purpose is to cause the reader to evaluate what they are doing and why.  It is the fool who blindly consumes only to desire more.  But there are motives behind every action; not all are pure.

Here are three questions to ask in evaluating motives.  The point is to think and be careful.
1. Why is a wealthy person showing kindness to you? (vv.1-3)
How should you respond and act when a person of financial means or high position extends an invitation?  A fool sees selfish opportunity and wants to get all they can from the engagement.  Think and be careful.  Most often there is a reason behind the invitation.  Yes, it could be to extend friendship, perhaps a reward, or even something mutually beneficial.  However, just as often it is because they want something from you.  A wise person is humbled to be included and cautiously restrains themselves.

2. Why do you do what you do? (vv.4-5)
Knowing one's purpose in life according to God's design is essential to a fulfilling life.  Too many people work hard only for the money.  Money is deceptive and fickle, like a bird that lights on a tree limb and then flies away.  At best, all our finances are temporal.  Money is a tool to be used, not a goal in itself.  So, the moral evaluation in our labors has to do with what we are trying accomplish.  A wise person thinks and is careful.  Once we recognize that God owns everything (Psalm 24:1), we see our work and our wealth as a stewardship to take care of and to expand His work in this world.

3. Why is a stingy person showing kindness to you? (vv.6-8)
It is unusual for a person, who is known to be tight with their finances, to demonstrate generosity.   A wise person thinks and proceeds carefully.  Have they had a change in heart?  Are they doing this out of some forced obligation?  Do they have a hidden agenda?  Of course, we always want to be kind to our host but remember that their motives may not be pure and our compliments wasted.  Without caution we may be setting ourselves up for huge regret.  The word stingy is often translated "evil".  This is in contrast to Proverbs 22:9-"Whoever has a bountiful eye will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor."

When it comes to interacting with others, Jesus taught His followers to be "wise as serpents and innocent as doves" (Matthew 10:16).  When it comes to our behavior, we are to be generous and give with pure motives, "expecting nothing in return" (Luke 6:35).