Proverbs 11:16-18 NKJV

[16] A gracious woman retains honor, but ruthless men retain riches. [17] The merciful man does good for his own soul, but he who is cruel troubles his own flesh. [18] The wicked man does deceptive work, but he who sows righteousness will have a sure reward.

I was raised to tithe. Even though my dad didn't go to church when I was younger, he still believed in giving God His due. It didn't make much sense to me then, but I see a hint of nobility in it now. He was faithful to give despite his lack of desire to attend.

That same man would go out of his way to help other people. I watched him do more for the people of our community than most of the local pastors. We never had a lot of money, but we always had enough. I often wondered how they managed to stretch their finances when I was a kid. Now that I am older, I can see where God was faithful to provide; honoring my parents' faithfulness to give.