Proverbs 28:27
Whoever gives to the poor will not want, but he who hides his eyes will get many a curse.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This proverb comes near the end of a chapter filled with contrasts between the righteous and the wicked. It follows admonitions against arrogance and the pursuit of wealth, immediately after discussing the consequences of seeking wealth through dishonest means. The verse stands as a stark warning: turning a blind eye to the needy invites divine displeasure and hardship, while generosity secures blessing and provision.
Understand the original words
rash · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
In a biblical context, it refers to those who are economically disadvantaged, oppressed, or socially vulnerable. God consistently commands His people to show compassion and generosity toward them, linking care for the needy to the heart of true righteousness.
me'ērâ · Hebrew Noun
A solemn pronouncement of judgment or divine disfavor. In the Bible, it represents the consequence of violating God's law or hardening one's heart against His moral order.
This passage speaks directly about the Lord's blessing on those who generously provide for the needy, echoing Proverbs' promise that giving to the poor leads to blessing and provision, not lack.
Isaiah 58:7-10This prophetic passage describes how acts of generosity, like sharing food and clothing with the hungry and oppressed, bring forth light, healing, and divine favor, mirroring the positive outcomes of giving highlighted in Proverbs.
Matthew 6:1-4Jesus teaches about the importance of sincere giving, emphasizing that true generosity, done with a pure heart and not for recognition, will be rewarded by God. This aligns with Proverbs' principle that giving, not hoarding, leads to true security.
Luke 12:13-21The parable of the rich fool warns against storing up treasures for oneself and neglecting generosity, illustrating the folly of wealth accumulation without considering the needs of others and the certainty of divine judgment, a stark contrast to the wisdom of Proverbs.
2 Corinthians 9:6-8Paul encourages cheerful and generous giving, promising that God is able to make all grace abound to the giver, so that they always have sufficiency in everything. This reinforces the idea that generosity is not a path to poverty but to God's abundant provision.
pooleProverbs 28:27: "He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse."
Shall not lack; shall not impoverish himself by it, as covetous men imagine or pretend; but shall be enriched, which is implied. That hideth his eyes, lest he should see poor and miserable men, and thereby be moved to pity or obliged to relieve them. So he cunningly avoids the beginnings, and occasions, and provocations to charity; teaching us to use the same caution against sin.…
clarkeProverbs 28:27: "He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse."
Be that giveth unto the poor - See the notes on Deuteronomy 15:7 (note), Detueronomy Deuteronomy 19:17 (note), Deuteronomy 22:9 (note).
Proverbs 28:27 reads: "Whoever gives to the poor will not want, but he who hides his eyes will get many a curse." — see the full explanation above for context and original-language notes.
This proverb comes near the end of a chapter filled with contrasts between the righteous and the wicked. It follows admonitions against arrogance and the pursuit of wealth, immediately after discussing the consequences of seeking wealth through dishonest means. The verse stands as a stark warning: turning a blind eye to the needy invites divine displeasure and hardship, while generosity secures blessing and provision.
"Whoever gives to the poor will not want, but he who hides his eyes will get many a curse." — see the full study above for original language, historical background, and cross-references.
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