Proverbs 19:17
Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will repay him for his deed.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This proverb highlights a beautiful reversal: giving to the poor isn't an expense, but an investment. The wording "lends to the LORD" makes God Himself the debtor, promising a guaranteed return not just of what was given, but with increase, framing generosity as an act of faith with divine backing.
This proverb is part of a larger collection of wisdom literature in Proverbs, offering practical advice for living a good life. It appears within a section that contrasts foolish and wise behavior, highlighting the benefits of generosity and compassion over stinginess or self-interest. The verse immediately following this one, for example, discusses escaping trouble through showing mercy.
Ever thought about your generosity as an investment? This verse paints a picture of God himself as the ultimate investor, eager to make you rich through your giving.
When you show compassion and generosity to the poor, the verse frames it not as a loss, but as a loan to the LORD.
God as Creditor
This is a radical idea! God, the Creator of the universe, voluntarily makes himself indebted to you for acts of kindness towards the needy. He doesn't just acknowledge your giving; He accepts it as a deposit into His own divine account.
The Assurance of Repayment
The incredible part? He promises to repay. This isn't a vague hope, but a divine guarantee. The 'deed' or 'good deed' you've done is held by God, and He will make a full return, often with abundance and blessings, both in this life and the life to come.
What does it truly mean to be 'generous to the poor'? It's a concept that goes beyond just handing over cash.
The heart of this verse is 'pity' or compassion for the poor. It's about a deep empathy that moves you to act.
Acting on Compassion
This isn't just a feeling; it's demonstrated through 'deeds.' It involves meeting the 'necessities' of those in need, as various commentaries suggest. The original language points to 'feeble' or 'weak' people, those who are vulnerable and easily overlooked.
The LORD's Receivers
When you give, you're not just helping a stranger; you're acting as God's appointed 'receivers.' He has entrusted the care of the needy to all of us, and He watches how we treat them, seeing it as a direct reflection on our relationship with Him.
Understand the original words
YHWH · Hebrew Noun (Proper)
The eternal Creator and Covenant God of Israel who reveals Himself through His redemptive acts. He is the standard of righteousness and the ultimate provider and judge.
chanan · Hebrew Verb/Adjective
The act of providing material or spiritual aid to those in need. In biblical terms, it reflects the character of God who provides for the destitute and commands His people to do the same.
This passage powerfully echoes Proverbs 19:17 by highlighting that acts of kindness to the poor are received directly by Jesus Himself, framing generosity as a divine transaction.
Luke 14:13-14Jesus directly encourages inviting the poor to feasts, stating that 'you will be repaid at the resurrection,' which aligns perfectly with the idea of a future reward for generosity mentioned in Proverbs.
2 Corinthians 9:6-7This passage speaks to the principle of sowing and reaping in generosity, emphasizing that God loves a cheerful giver and will ensure they have sufficiency, mirroring the 'repayment' promise in Proverbs.
Ecclesiastes 11:1This verse encourages casting your bread upon the waters, trusting that it will return after many days, offering a similar ancient wisdom perspective on the future returns of present acts of charity.
ellicottProverbs 19:17: "He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again."
(17) Lendeth unto the Lord.— Who “for our sakes became poor, that we through his poverty might be rich” ( 2Corinthians 8:9 ), and Who regards all done to one of his poor brethren as done unto Himself ( Matthew 25:40 ).
bensonProverbs 19:17: "He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again."
Proverbs 19:17 . He that hath pity on the poor — And relieves their necessities; lendeth unto the Lord — Doth not empoverish, but enrich himself: for the Lord takes what is done to them as done to himself, because it is done to those whom he has appointed in his own stead to be his receivers, and whom he hath, in a peculiar manner, commended to the care and charity of all…
This proverb highlights a beautiful reversal: giving to the poor isn't an expense, but an investment. The wording "lends to the LORD" makes God Himself the debtor, promising a guaranteed return not just of what was given, but with increase, framing generosity as an act of faith with divine backing.
This proverb is part of a larger collection of wisdom literature in Proverbs, offering practical advice for living a good life. It appears within a section that contrasts foolish and wise behavior, highlighting the benefits of generosity and compassion over stinginess or self-interest. The verse immediately following this one, for example, discusses escaping trouble through showing mercy.
This proverb is part of a larger collection of wisdom literature in Proverbs, offering practical advice for living a good life. It appears within a section that contrasts foolish and wise behavior, highlighting the benefits of generosity and compassion over stinginess or self-interest. The verse immediately following this one, for example, discusses escaping trouble through showing mercy.
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"Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will repay him for his deed." — This proverb highlights a beautiful reversal: giving to the poor isn't an expense, but an investment. The wording "lends to the LORD" makes God Himself the debtor, promising a guaranteed return not j…
