The Meaning of Proverbs 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
Once again, Scripture commends deep concern for the needs of the poor (Proverbs 14:21; 19:7; 21:13; 29:7). Charity honors God, and a person who helps the needy does God's will as well as God's work (Matthew 5:16). The implication of the term "lend" suggests that God will repay those who are generous—not necessarily with earthly wealth, but in spiritual blessing. The statement foreshadows the words of Jesus. Speaking about the final judgment, and those who provided for the poor, Christ says, "Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me" (Matthew 25:40).
Paul urged the Corinthians to give generously to the relief of poor Christians in Judea. He reminded the Corinthians that Jesus set aside His riches in heaven and became poor so believers could benefit (2 Corinthians 8:9). In the tribulation period many Jewish believers in Jesus will be persecuted. They will suffer the loss of property and possessions. Yet those who believe in Christ through their preaching will help them with food, clothes, and shelter.
Proverbs 19:8–21 continues Solomon's observations about wisdom and foolishness, a king's wrath, household turmoil, and human plans as compared to divine sovereignty. A theme of these proverbs is the danger of ignoring godly wisdom, while placing too much reliance on one's own ability. A wise person is prudent, diligent, and honest. At the same time, wisdom means realizing that not all plans work out.
Several themes are associated with these statements. Among them are the idea that personal integrity is worth much more than earthly wealth or success. Solomon discusses the unfortunate habit of favoring the rich and dismissing the poor, while commending those who care for the unfortunate. Many references are made to the consequences of foolish behavior, including the shame and punishment such things can bring.
#BiblicalWisdom #CharityAndCompassion #Proverbs19 #FaithInAction #ServeTheNeedy #SpiritualBlessings #ChristianGenerosity #LendToTheLord
Once again, Scripture commends deep concern for the needs of the poor (Proverbs 14:21; 19:7; 21:13; 29:7). Charity honors God, and a person who helps the needy does God's will as well as God's work (Matthew 5:16). The implication of the term "lend" suggests that God will repay those who are generous—not necessarily with earthly wealth, but in spiritual blessing. The statement foreshadows the words of Jesus. Speaking about the final judgment, and those who provided for the poor, Christ says, "Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me" (Matthew 25:40).
Paul urged the Corinthians to give generously to the relief of poor Christians in Judea. He reminded the Corinthians that Jesus set aside His riches in heaven and became poor so believers could benefit (2 Corinthians 8:9). In the tribulation period many Jewish believers in Jesus will be persecuted. They will suffer the loss of property and possessions. Yet those who believe in Christ through their preaching will help them with food, clothes, and shelter.
Proverbs 19:8–21 continues Solomon's observations about wisdom and foolishness, a king's wrath, household turmoil, and human plans as compared to divine sovereignty. A theme of these proverbs is the danger of ignoring godly wisdom, while placing too much reliance on one's own ability. A wise person is prudent, diligent, and honest. At the same time, wisdom means realizing that not all plans work out.
Several themes are associated with these statements. Among them are the idea that personal integrity is worth much more than earthly wealth or success. Solomon discusses the unfortunate habit of favoring the rich and dismissing the poor, while commending those who care for the unfortunate. Many references are made to the consequences of foolish behavior, including the shame and punishment such things can bring.
#BiblicalWisdom #CharityAndCompassion #Proverbs19 #FaithInAction #ServeTheNeedy #SpiritualBlessings #ChristianGenerosity #LendToTheLord