Whoever gives to the poor will not want, but he who hides his eyes will get many a curse.
English Standard Version (ESV)
All verses
Proverbs 28:27
What does Proverbs 28:27 mean?
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Proverbs 28:27
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The sting of this verse isn't just about not giving; it's about the active choice to deliberately not look at need. "Hiding your eyes" implies a conscious turning away, a self-imposed blindness to prevent compassion from stirring, which guarantees a cascade of curses, both from the neglected poor and from God.
Whoever gives to the poor will not want, but he who hides his eyes will get many a curse.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse is part of a collection of wisdom sayings in Proverbs, following a series of pronouncements about the wicked and the righteous. It emphasizes the direct consequence of one's actions towards the poor: generosity brings future abundance, while turning a blind eye to suffering invites divine displeasure and curses. The proverb contrasts these outcomes to highlight a fundamental principle of how life, and God's favor, often works.
It sounds counterintuitive, right? Give away your resources, and you won't lack? This verse promises abundance, not scarcity, for the charitable.
The Paradox of Giving
Proverbs 28:27 flips our typical financial thinking on its head. Instead of fearing that giving to the poor will leave us empty-handed, the verse assures us, 'he that giveth unto the poor shall not lack.' This isn't just about avoiding poverty; it implies a positive gain, a form of enrichment.
This promise points to a divine economy. When we generously share what we have – whether it's money, time, or comfort – we are trusting God's provision. The act of giving is seen not as a loss, but as an investment in God's kingdom, which yields returns far beyond earthly wealth. It's a reminder that our true security isn't in hoarding, but in trusting and obeying God's principles.
What happens when we turn a blind eye to those in need? This verse warns of a consequence far heavier than mere misfortune.
The Cost of Looking Away
'He that hideth his eyes' is a powerful image of deliberate neglect. It's not about unintentional oversight, but a conscious decision to ignore suffering, often to avoid the discomfort or obligation that compassion brings. This isn't just a passive act; it's an active hardening of the heart.
The consequence is stark: 'will have many a curse.' These curses can come from multiple sources:
Ask a follow-up
This side of the proverb serves as a strong warning against selfishness and a call to active, engaged compassion.
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 from Deuteronomy lays the groundwork for Proverbs, explaining that the reason the poor exist is so we can show generosity, and assures that those who are generous will be blessed by the Lord.
Isaiah 1:15This verse from Isaiah describes God hiding His eyes from those who spread out their hands in prayer but have unmerciful hearts, mirroring the 'hiding eyes' imagery of Proverbs when people refuse to help the needy.
Luke 12:48Jesus speaks about accountability, stating that to whom much is given, much will be required. This connects to Proverbs by highlighting the spiritual danger and potential curse that comes from ignoring the needs of others when one has the means to help.
2 Corinthians 9:6-8Paul teaches that God loves a cheerful giver and promises that those who sow generously will reap generously, directly supporting the Proverb's assertion that giving to the poor does not lead to want, but to abundance.
This section of Sirach directly echoes the sentiment of Proverbs 28:27, warning against turning away from the needy and stating that a person's prayer will be heard if they curse the one who turned away.
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).
The sting of this verse isn't just about not giving; it's about the active choice to deliberately not look at need. "Hiding your eyes" implies a conscious turning away, a self-imposed blindness to prevent compassion from stirring, which guarantees a cascade of curses, both from the neglected poor and from God.
This verse is part of a collection of wisdom sayings in Proverbs, following a series of pronouncements about the wicked and the righteous. It emphasizes the direct consequence of one's actions towards the poor: generosity brings future abundance, while turning a blind eye to suffering invites divine displeasure and curses. The proverb contrasts these outcomes to highlight a fundamental principle of how life, and God's favor, often works.
This verse is part of a collection of wisdom sayings in Proverbs, following a series of pronouncements about the wicked and the righteous. It emphasizes the direct consequence of one's actions towards the poor: generosity brings future abundance, while turning a blind eye to suffering invites divine displeasure and curses. The proverb contrasts these outcomes to highlight a fundamental principle of how life, and God's favor, often works.
"Whoever gives to the poor will not want, but he who hides his eyes will get many a curse." — The sting of this verse isn't just about not giving; it's about the active choice to deliberately not look at need. "Hiding your eyes" implies a conscious turning away, a self-imposed blindness t…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026