"There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty"
The Bible speaks a great deal about scattering. The verb itself is used, at my count, over 100 times, and a large portion of the usage of scattering is detrimental. My first response to the first half of the sentence was similar: given the assumption that the increase of something is a good thing, and yet it seems to follow the act of being scattered, observably a bad thing, what examples can I think of where such a think has happened?
Well, let's look at the applications of the verb
In Genesis we have 4 references to scattering (11:4, 8, 9, 49:7), most of which focus on the after effects of the tower of Babel. Clearly God could have used any number of tools to cause His effect here, but he chose scattering, which had the benefit of forcing a kind of racial circumcision upon the peoples of the earth, based upon their language, and setting the stage for the Jews to be a stand alone group. Prior to the tower's construction, people were distinct, but predominantly by locality. Now they would be separated by mindset and paradigm.
Of interest also is that one of the stated motivations for constructing the tower (as an anti-scattering mechanism [Gen 11:4]) came to pass anyway.
A bit less clear (to me, at least) is the Gen 49:7 reference, where Jacob has called all his sons together and is revealing to them how their lives will turn out because of who they have chosen to become. The verse in question deals with Simeon and Levi; Levi should be familiar as the great grandfather to both Aaron and Moses. Ultimately it describes how Simeon and Levi will be (divided in Jacob/scattered in Israel) which might have been a foreshadowing of the events of Moses's day.
Regardless, all of the first four uses of the verb 'to scatter' are firmly in the undesirable experiences category.
Thus - Is the intended use of the verb 'to scatter', from Proverbs 11:24, undesirable?
I would have to say yes - because of the 'yet'
And so, God having walked me though those verses, I see what I believe is his message for me in this verse.
Something that He speaks regularly, clearly, and simply throughout all of His word:
"Trust me"
If you're involved in what seems to be a whirlwind of activities, a large portion of that can often be attributed to wanting to control parts of your life. You may not see it as that, but the reality is that each portion of your day/week/month is comprised of moments and activities to which you AGREED. And it may not be the most convenient activity, but you can choose to reduce some of those things - for it is often the case that, the busier you are, the less you are able to focus on what is truly important.
At the very least, you won't consistently trust how your efforts are moving toward fruition.
This is where the trust comes in.
Trust Him to guide your day
- you might be as busy, but you'll get more done.
- you'll be able to appreciate your day a great deal more.
- you'll be less tired, and more satisfied by your own efforts.
- you'll appreciate those around you more.
To reprise - the scattering of one's resources can often seem destructive, haphazard, and oddly-attractive. The juggling itself can be a powerful draw. Instead, focus on God's plan for your year. For your day. For your hour.
It isn't easy. And it takes practice.
But the rewards are priceless.
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