Matthew Henry Commentary Genesis 14:21-24

"And the king of Sodom said unto Abram, Give me the persons, and take the goods to thyself. And Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lifted up my hand unto Jehovah, God Most High, possessor of heaven and earth, that I will not take a thread nor a shoe-latchet nor aught 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 that went with me, Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre. Let them take their portion." — Genesis 14:21-24 (ASV)

Observe the king of Sodom's grateful offer to Abram: Give me the souls, and take thou the substance. Gratitude teaches us to repay to the utmost of our ability those who have undergone hardships, faced dangers, and incurred expenses for our service and benefit.

Abram generously refused this offer. He accompanied his refusal with a good reason: Lest thou shouldest say, I have made Abram rich. This, he reasoned, would reflect poorly upon the promise and covenant of God, as if God would not have enriched Abraham without the spoils of Sodom.

The people of God must, for their own reputation's sake, be careful to avoid doing anything that looks mean or mercenary, or that suggests covetousness and self-seeking. Abraham can trust the Possessor of Heaven and earth to provide for him.