First – Be generous in HUMILITY. “Pride leads to disgrace but with humility comes wisdom” (Proverbs 11:2 NLT). Someone who love the “limelight” once remarked, “If you don’t toot your own horn no one else will.” Scriptures teach, “God opposes the proud but favors the humble” (James 4:6). How many countless hundreds have been disgraced and lost everything because of pride. Follow Jesus’ example of humility. (Matthew 5:5; 11:29; Philippians 2:3-10)

Second – Be generous in HONESTY. “Honesty guides good people, dishonesty destroys treacherous people” (Proverbs 11:3). It is true that enduring success comes to those with a heart of integrity. Abraham Lincoln was not called “Honest Abe” for nothing. “God is a shield for those who walk in integrity” (Proverbs 2:7). David realized this, “Behold, you desire truth in the inward parts and in the hidden part you will make me to know wisdom” (Psalm 52:6 NKJV).

Third – Be generous in HONORING God with your blessings “Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce. Then he will fill your barns . . . your vats will overflow” (Proverbs 3:9-10). “Give freely and become more wealthy, be stingy and lose everything . . . The generous will prosper, those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed” (Proverbs 10:24; 11:24-25 NLT).

Fourth – Be generous in HELPING others. Proverbs 11:30 tells us it will be a tree of life and win you true friends. Jesus taught that those with a servant’s heart are greatest in God’s kingdom. (Matthew 18:1; Luke 22:24; John 13:1-17)

Fifth – Be generous in HEALING WORDS. Larry King is perhaps the most renowned and respected talk show host in the world. In a recent interview he said that he was not a good student in school and didn’t have a college degree. He attributed his success to having discovered and developed his gift of being a good communicator. Larry King is not a “shock jock”. He treats everyone with respect and is generous with insightful and healing words. Being generous in healing, encouraging words will generate life. “The lips of the godly speak helpful words, but the mouth of the wicked speak perverse words” (Proverbs 10:32 NLT). (Proverbs 10:20; 15:4) “Death and life are in the power of the tongue and those who love it will eat its fruit” (Proverbs 18:21).

Sixth – Be generous in HARD WORK. A very successful man said, “I have discovered that the harder I work, the luckier I get.” “Wise words bring many benefits and hard work brings rewards” (Proverbs 12:11, 14; 13:8). We are instructed to take a lesson from the ant in Proverbs 30:25.

Seventh – Be generous in HOPE. True hope is not just wishful thinking. Biblical hope is a sure thing that will happen at a yet unspecified time. “The fears of the wicked will be fulfilled, the hopes of the godly will be granted” (Proverbs 10:24). Be generous to hope in your God given dreams. (Proverbs 13:13)

God’s wisdom and ways lead to success in life. “Riches won’t help you on the Day of Judgment but right living can save you from death” (Proverbs 11:4 NLT). True success in life is being in right relationship with God through Jesus Christ. (Revelation 3:20)