Proverbs 11:26 Good for me, or good for all?_

He who withholds grain, the people will curse him, But blessing will be on the head of him who sells it. Proverbs‬ ‭11:26‬ ‭NASB‬‬‬‬‬‬

The obvious application of this proverb is to those that have control over commodities upon which people’s lives and livelihoods depend. A businessperson would naturally want to save the grain he has either grown or purchased during a season of plenty for a time when it is in high demand and then sell. And then proudly proclaim, I’m rich! But at whose expense?

The fact is, we all depend on each other for the prosperity we enjoy daily. As I count the number of times this morning that I have relied on others for how I have started my day, I feel deeply humbled. My life is what it is because of others. I don’t raise chickens, but I eat eggs. I don’t make cars, but I drive in one. I didn’t place the cell tower, but I constantly use its signal. Not to mention all the other items that I depend upon.

The heart of the matter is about my thinking: do I consider myself superior to others or do I recognize that I have a place and contribution to make in my community? Every person has control of something that affects others. I do too. Whether it is buying or selling America’s food source as a Kansan farmer, or the power that is collected from solar panels and windmills to power a city’s homes, or it is the art and creativity I am gifted with, or the place one occupies at the driver’s licensing counter… I have a contribution. The fact that I have breath means I have a place in this ecosystem of life and my attitude about it is essential in making it work. It is well documented that self-serving leaders lack the cooperation and trust needed to encourage growth and innovation. When I consider the mighty English and Spanish empires during the colonial period exploring dark continents — often with the goal of spreading the gospel — the contrast could not be more stark. Societies governed by law, science and faith encountered people that were tribal, brutal, and mistrusting. Who I am affects not only myself, but the fabric of the people to whom I belong. I matter.

It is normal to want to make my gifts, possessions, or business benefit me and my family. But more important than my individual welfare is that of those around me. And Solomon is clear: there is a curse in self-centered thinking and a deep blessing when I consider others.