Proverbs 19:17 He who is gracious and lends a hand to the poor lends to the Lord, And the Lord will repay him for his good deed.
So last year I started looking at the Bible in a different way.
I have been reading the Bible since I could read. I have read through the Bible, from beginning to end. So I know what’s in there.
Last year I started asking myself, what’s not in there?
The last lesson I learned from asking myself this question – “Perform a background check on a person before giving them food.” is not a proverb.
“Only show the love of Christ if you are sure you are not being taken advantage of.” is not a proverb.
“If you give someone money, and they buy drugs with it, you lose your blessing.” Is not a proverb.
“Go and tell people about the gospel except if they live in a bad neighborhood.” is not in the New Testament.
“Make sure the one you are giving to is truly poor.” is not a proverb.
So basically, if it’s not in there I need to think about it. Because “love your neighbor as yourself” is in there. Giving to the poor is mentioned several times, as is not being a gossip. Most of us know that. But today I would encourage you to think about what’s not in there.
Failing at Haiku 
If you see a need and (If) you can help out with the leading of God Spirit. You have to be Blessed; to be able to be a Blessing. Pray over it and say Lord God I give this in your Name.Luke 6:36;38*
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What you’re saying is true — we can’t always judge by appearances before we give. Thankfully Christians have the guidance of the Holy Spirit, as long as we don’t override His direction with our “common sense.”
Trouble is, there are many scriptures that can be taken out of context to support or refute something, or limit charity. “Be ye wise as serpents and harmless as doves” would indicate we simply can’t trust everyone. “Give to everyone that asketh of thee,” without some qualifications would bankrupt us all in no time.
“Let every man work with his own hands…” is a commandment. It means, don’t expect to go through life sponging off others. But sometimes, as you say, we need to be willing to be sponged off of. If I’m honest I’ll have to admit that sometimes it’s covetousness rather than prudence that keeps me from freely sharing. “The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked; who can know it? I the Lord try the hearts…”
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