The first principle in prosperity is WORK. All giving presupposes that you have something to give. Since God blesses the work of our hands it is safe to assume that He expects that what we give is ours to give. For most of us that means that we are taking a portion of our earnings to give.
Work is the unstated first principle. I believe that it is unspoken because it is assumed. If giving was first, then I suppose the case could be made that it would be permissible to steal in order to give. The 10 Commandments take care of that. Paul said labor with your hands that you may have something to give.
He who steals must steal no longer; but rather he must labor, performing with his own hands what is good, so that he will have something to share with one who has need.
Ephesians 4:28 NASB
Our work is honorable and is meant to supply for our needs and to help meet the needs of others. Note that it is not meant to meet the needs of people who choose not to work. No one has a right to be fed when they do nothing to provide for themselves. Sometimes a person may not be able to work at all, and this would be an exception.
For even when we were with you, we used to give you this order: if anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either. (11) For we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined life, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies. (12) Now such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to work in quiet fashion and eat their own bread.
2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 NASB
And to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your own business and work with your hands, just as we commanded you, (12) so that you will behave properly toward outsiders and not be in any need.
1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 NASB
We should be aware of the needs of those around us both in the church and in our families. Part of what comes into our hands is for sowing. This lifts the motivation for working and earning to a higher level than just meeting our personal needs and desires. As the Lord leads, let us be obedient to use our available resources for helping others in need.
