Verse: Genesis 14:23-24
Theme: Integrity, Dependence on God, and Rejecting Worldly Entanglements
That I will not take from a thread even to a shoelatchet and that I will not take any thing that is thine lest thou shouldest say I have made Abram rich. Save only that which the young men have eaten and the portion of the men which went with me Aner Eshcol and Mamre let them take their portion
— Genesis 14:23-24, King James Version (KJV)
I won’t take so much as a single thread or a sandal thong from what belongs to you Otherwise you might say I am the one who made Abram rich. I will accept only what my young warriors have already eaten and I request that you give a fair share of the goods to my allies Aner Eshcol and Mamre
— Genesis 14:23-24, New Living Translation (NLT)
That I will not take a thread or a sandal strap or anything that is yours lest you should say I have made Abram rich. I will take nothing but what the young men have eaten and the share of the men who went with me Let Aner Eshcol and Mamre take their share
— Genesis 14:23-24, English Standard Version (ESV)
I promise that I won’t take anything that is yours not even a thread or a sandal strap Then you can’t say I made Abram rich. I will accept only what my soldiers have eaten But Aner Eshcol and Mamre went with me So give them their share of what we brought back
— Genesis 14:23-24, Good News Translation (GNT)
Meaning of Genesis 14:23-24
These verses offer a rare and powerful look into the moral backbone of Abram, later called Abraham. After rescuing his nephew Lot and reclaiming stolen goods, Abram is offered a reward by the king of Sodom. But Abram firmly refuses. He does not want to receive even a thread or a shoelace from the king. Why? Because he wants it to be known that only God made him rich.
This moment reveals Abram’s deep commitment to integrity and divine dependence. He understands that wealth from questionable sources can cloud a testimony and create false assumptions about one’s success. Abram desires God alone to be recognized as the provider and blesser of his life.
The phrase “lest thou shouldest say I have made Abram rich” reflects spiritual clarity. Abram knew the importance of who gets the credit in his journey. He refuses to share God’s glory with any human benefactor. His refusal is not out of pride but purpose. He is separating himself from any alliances that could compromise his calling.
Genesis 14:23-24 also displays leadership and fairness. While Abram declines the reward, he ensures that his allies Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre receive their fair share. He does not impose his conviction on others but practices it personally and lets others walk their own paths in wisdom.
Popular Words of Wisdom from Genesis 14:23-24
Integrity is doing the right thing when no one is watching but spiritual integrity is doing it when everyone is watching and it still costs you everything
— Dr. Tony Evans, Pastor and Founder of The Urban Alternative
Sometimes you have to turn down good offers to remain in alignment with your God-given identity
— Priscilla Shirer, Bible Teacher and Author of “Fervent”
A man of faith does not look for handouts from the world. He waits on the hand of God
— Leonard Ravenhill, Revivalist and Author
True dependence on God is revealed in the choices you make when you have an opportunity to enrich yourself through compromise
— Dr. Myles Munroe, Leadership Speaker and Founder of Bahamas Faith Ministries
You honor God more by what you refuse than by what you accept
— A. W. Tozer, Pastor and Author of “The Pursuit of God”
Explaining the Context of Genesis 14:23-24
Earlier in Genesis 14, Abram courageously sets out to rescue Lot after he was captured by enemy kings. Abram not only rescues his nephew but also defeats an alliance of four powerful kings. On his return, he is greeted by Melchizedek, the priest-king of Salem, and the king of Sodom.
While Melchizedek blesses Abram and receives a tithe, the king of Sodom offers Abram the spoils of war. In the cultural context, this would have been a typical practice. But Abram sees a deeper implication. Accepting such a reward could later be interpreted as dependence on the king of Sodom rather than on God.
Abram’s refusal sets him apart. The city of Sodom was notoriously wicked, and any association with its king could taint Abram’s witness. These verses are not just about financial integrity but spiritual purity. Abram’s response teaches us that not every reward is a blessing, and not every opportunity aligns with God’s will.
Explaining the Key Parts of Genesis 14:23-24
That I Will Not Take from a Thread Even to a Shoelatchet
This phrase shows how meticulous Abram was in maintaining a clean reputation. He did not want even a trace of Sodom’s wealth attached to his legacy. A thread or shoelace represents the smallest item, yet Abram excludes even that.
Lest Thou Shouldest Say I Have Made Abram Rich
Abram’s concern was not financial but spiritual. He wanted to ensure that no man could take credit for what God would do in his life. This is a declaration of allegiance and humility.
Save Only That Which the Young Men Have Eaten
Abram acknowledges the reality of the mission. His men had already consumed food and supplies. This part of the verse shows that integrity is not rigid but balanced. He honors what was already used without taking further gain.
And the Portion of the Men Which Went with Me
Abram respects the decisions and rewards of his allies. Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre were entitled to their share. Abram’s conviction did not become a rule for others. He models spiritual leadership that honors free will.
Lessons to Learn from Genesis 14:23-24
1. Not All Gifts Are Worth Receiving
Some opportunities look attractive but come with strings attached. Abram teaches us to evaluate every reward based on its source and long-term implications.
2. Integrity Is More Valuable Than Riches
Abram was wealthy, yet he refused to let anyone question the source of his prosperity. Protecting your character is worth more than gaining material things.
3. God Deserves the Full Credit
Abram wanted the world to know that it was God who blessed him. He did not want human partnerships to dilute divine praise. Let God get the full glory for your increase.
4. Spiritual Convictions Are Personal
Abram allowed his allies to receive their portion. True spiritual leadership does not enforce convictions but invites others to see a better way.
5. Wisdom Is Seen in Refusals
We often think wisdom is about saying yes to the right things. But it is also about saying no to the wrong ones. Abram’s wisdom lay in what he refused.
Related Bible Verses
He that walketh uprightly and worketh righteousness and speaketh the truth in his heart
— Psalm 15:2, King James Version (KJV)
A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches and loving favour rather than silver and gold
— Proverbs 22:1, King James Version (KJV)
And he said unto them Take heed and beware of covetousness for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth
— Luke 12:15, King James Version (KJV)
Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth where moth and rust doth corrupt and where thieves break through and steal
— Matthew 6:19, King James Version (KJV)
Let your conversation be without covetousness and be content with such things as ye have for he hath said I will never leave thee nor forsake thee
— Hebrews 13:5, King James Version (KJV)
How This Passage Points to Christ
Abram’s stance in Genesis 14:23-24 foreshadows the life and mission of Jesus Christ. Like Abram, Jesus refused to align with worldly systems. During His temptation in the wilderness, Satan offered Jesus all the kingdoms of the world in exchange for worship. Jesus refused.
In John 6, after feeding the five thousand, the people wanted to make Jesus king by force. He withdrew, refusing to let His ministry be shaped by public acclaim. Like Abram, Jesus waited on the Father alone for affirmation, provision, and timing.
Abram’s desire to let no man say he made him rich is mirrored in Christ’s exclusive devotion to the Father’s will. Both demonstrate that the path to divine blessing involves restraint, purity, and an unwavering focus on God’s glory.
Closing Reflection
Genesis 14:23-24 is a powerful lesson in godly restraint. In a world where many chase after status, alliances, and wealth, Abram shows us the better path. He teaches us to live for divine affirmation, not public approval. He reminds us that some rewards are too costly—not in money, but in integrity.
You may face moments when turning something down looks foolish to the world. But like Abram, you are choosing to honor God above all else. That decision will not go unnoticed in heaven.
When you trust God as your provider, you do not need the validation of man. Your life becomes a testimony that declares God did it, and only God gets the credit.
Say This Prayer
Heavenly Father
Thank You for the wisdom in the example of Abram. Teach me to value integrity over opportunity and character over convenience. Help me to live in such a way that You receive all the glory for every blessing in my life.
Give me discernment to recognize when to say no, even when the world says yes. Keep my heart free from covetousness and my eyes fixed on You as my sole provider.
Let my life be a declaration of Your faithfulness. May every decision I make reflect trust in You alone.
In Jesus’ name I pray
Amen.