Depending upon your translation, the Hebrew word nadiyb from our text may be rendered generous (NKJV), noble (ASV), liberal (KJV), godly (LLXE) or perhaps with some other word. Regardless, the construction and meaning remains the same. Those who are acceptable to the Lord will seek to do good to others. They desire to aid those who are needy, and through such action, find favour with God.

In the context, the prophet contrasts this generous person with the wicked schemer (v 7), who concocts action whereby he may take advantage of and mistreat the poor. The schemer furthers his cause through lies and injustice, but these will be to his own harm. Solomon cautioned, "Though a sinner does evil a hundred times, and his days are prolonged, yet I surely know that it will be well with those who fear God, who fear before Him. But it will not be well with the wicked; nor will he prolong his days, which are a shadow, because he does not fear before God." (Ecc 8:12-13)

Note, of the righteous person, that liberality is an essential part of his design. He learns from his Father, who "...gives to all life, breath, and all things..." (Ac 17:25), and again, who "...gives to all liberally and without reproach..." (Jms 1:5). But understand, it is not in the devising of noble plans that we shall stand, but in the commission of them. God not only thought to bless mankind, He did so. We must both think to be generous, and then bring such thoughts to fruition. The ASV depicts the perpetual nature of this behaviour, stating, "...in noble things shall he continue."

May we be given to liberality; seeking to be imitators of our heavenly Father.