1Ki 13:8-9, 8 But the man of God said to the king, “If you were to give me half your house, I would not go in with you; nor would I eat bread nor drink water in this place. 9 For so it was commanded me by the word of the Lord…, “
Devout Israelites commonly gave gifts to prophets they had dealings with as their means of livelihood. The reward offer from Jeroboam was huge, however for the man of God to receive, eat or drink with him was a sign of fellowship with darkness enough to contaminate the message. For the sake of God’s honor he declined the reward.
Those who have learned the lessons of self-denial cannot indulge in anything that may jeopardize their testimony and that of the Lord. A true prophet is seen by how he conducts himself. Is God 1st, others 2nd and him 3rd or is he about making himself a profit like Balaam and not a true prophet proclaiming the word of God. Tit 1:7-8 “7 For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, 8 but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined.” Psa 10:3 “For the wicked boasts of the desires of his soul, and the one greedy for gain curses and renounces the LORD.” Priorities will tell the nature of a minister.