Blessed is the one who considers the poor! In the day of trouble the LORD delivers him;
English Standard Version (ESV)
The word translated "considers" implies more than just a passing thought; it means to act with wisdom and tenderness toward the vulnerable, recognizing their humanity and potential for suffering. This isn't just about giving money, but about engaging with the needs of others in a thoughtful, compassionate way.
Blessed is the one who considers the poor! In the day of trouble the LORD delivers him;
English Standard Version (ESV)
This psalm opens with David celebrating a compassionate heart, particularly towards those in need, a quality he likely honed through his own experiences of hardship and betrayal. He sets up a stark contrast between this kindness and the harsh, often judgmental attitude of his enemies, who have taken advantage of his affliction. The verses that follow will detail his suffering, his prayer for God's mercy, and his eventual confidence in God’s vindication.
The Bible calls certain people 'blessed.' What does it take to earn that title? It’s more than just a fleeting feeling of sympathy.
The verse uses a powerful Hebrew word that means more than just feeling sorry for someone. It implies a wise consideration or thoughtful understanding of their plight.
This isn't about a quick handout, but a deep, considered engagement with the needs of others.
The verse links our kindness to the poor with God's deliverance for us. What's the connection? Is it a transaction or something deeper?
The second half of the verse is a profound promise: 'the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble.' This isn't a simple 'you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours' deal with God.
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Understand the original words
ashrei · Hebrew Adjective/Interjection
A state of spiritual prosperity, joy, and divine favor pronounced upon someone who lives in accordance with God's will. It describes a condition of well-being that is independent of outward circumstances.
dal · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
Those who are needy, destitute, or oppressed; biblically, it refers not only to the economically poor but also to those who are humble and dependent upon God for help.
YHWH · Hebrew Noun
The covenant name of God (YHWH), revealing Him as the self-existent, faithful, and redeeming God of Israel who intervenes in human history.
ra'ah · Hebrew Noun
A state of distress, calamity, or adversity; it refers to times of crisis where one faces external danger or internal suffering and is in desperate need of divine intervention.
malat · Hebrew Verb
To rescue, save, or liberate from danger; it implies active intervention by God to remove His people from situations that threaten their life or righteousness.
This proverb directly links acts of kindness to the poor with a loan to the Lord, echoing the idea that showing mercy brings divine favor and future deliverance.
Matthew 6:14-15Jesus connects forgiving others with God's willingness to forgive us, a powerful parallel to the principle that the mercy we show to the needy will be reflected back to us by God.
Matthew 10:42Jesus explicitly states that whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of the least of his disciples will not lose their reward, directly supporting the psalm's assertion that kindness to the vulnerable is not overlooked by God.
Luke 6:38This verse teaches the principle of sowing and reaping in generosity, stating that 'the measure you use will be used to measure you,' which aligns perfectly with the promise in Psalm 41:1 that consideration for the poor results in God's deliverance.
James 2:13James warns that 'mercy triumphs over judgment' for those who have shown no mercy, reinforcing the solemn truth that our own experience of God's mercy is intertwined with the mercy we extend to others.
clarkePsalms 41:1: "To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble."
Blessed is he that considereth - God is merciful; he will have man to resemble him: as far as he is merciful, feels a compassionate heart, and uses a benevolent hand, he resembles his Maker; and the mercy he shows to others God will show to him. But it is not a sudden impression at the sight of a person in distress, which obliges a man to give something…
bensonPsalms 41:1: "To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble."
Psalm 41:1 . Blessed is he that considereth the poor — Or, poor man; that conducts himself wisely and prudently toward him; as משׂכיל , maschil, properly signifies, that does not rashly and foolishly censure and condemn him, much less insult over him, but considers his case with prudence and tenderness, remembering it may be his own, and therefore pities…
The word translated "considers" implies more than just a passing thought; it means to act with wisdom and tenderness toward the vulnerable, recognizing their humanity and potential for suffering. This isn't just about giving money, but about engaging with the needs of others in a thoughtful, compassionate way.
This psalm opens with David celebrating a compassionate heart, particularly towards those in need, a quality he likely honed through his own experiences of hardship and betrayal. He sets up a stark contrast between this kindness and the harsh, often judgmental attitude of his enemies, who have taken advantage of his affliction. The verses that follow will detail his suffering, his prayer for God's mercy, and his eventual confidence in God’s vindication.
This psalm opens with David celebrating a compassionate heart, particularly towards those in need, a quality he likely honed through his own experiences of hardship and betrayal. He sets up a stark contrast between this kindness and the harsh, often judgmental attitude of his enemies, who have taken advantage of his affliction. The verses that follow will detail his suffering, his prayer for God's mercy, and his eventual confidence in God’s vindication.
"Blessed is the one who considers the poor! In the day of trouble the LORD delivers him;" — The word translated "considers" implies more than just a passing thought; it means to act with wisdom and tenderness toward the vulnerable, recognizing their humanity and potential for suffering. Thi…
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Last reviewed October 2026