Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender. Kindness to the poorThe Hebrew word for "kindness" here is "חָנַן" (chanan), which conveys a sense of grace, mercy, and favor. In the ancient Near Eastern context, showing kindness to the poor was not merely an act of charity but a moral obligation deeply rooted in the covenantal relationship between God and His people. The poor, often marginalized and vulnerable, were to be treated with compassion and dignity. This phrase underscores the biblical principle that true religion involves caring for those in need, reflecting God's own character of mercy and love. is a loan to the LORD and He will repay the lender Persons / Places / Events 1. The PoorIn the context of Proverbs, the poor are those who are economically disadvantaged and in need of assistance. They are often highlighted in Scripture as individuals deserving of compassion and justice. 2. The LORD The covenant name of God, Yahweh, who is portrayed as the ultimate guarantor of justice and provider for those who act righteously. 3. The Lender This refers to the person who shows kindness to the poor, effectively "lending" to the LORD through their charitable actions. Teaching Points God's Perspective on GenerosityGod views acts of kindness to the poor as personal loans to Himself, indicating His deep concern for the needy and His promise to reward those who help them. The Divine Economy In God's economy, acts of charity are investments with guaranteed returns. This encourages believers to trust in God's faithfulness rather than earthly wealth. Reflecting God's Character By showing kindness to the poor, believers reflect God's own character of mercy and compassion, becoming His hands and feet in the world. Eternal Rewards While earthly rewards may be uncertain, God's promise to repay signifies eternal rewards that far surpass any temporary gain. Practical Generosity This verse calls for practical, tangible acts of kindness, urging believers to actively seek opportunities to support those in need. Bible Study Questions 1. How does understanding that kindness to the poor is a "loan to the LORD" change your perspective on giving and generosity?2. In what ways can you practically apply the principle of Proverbs 19:17 in your daily life? 3. How does the promise of God repaying the lender encourage you to trust Him more with your resources? 4. What connections can you draw between Proverbs 19:17 and Jesus' teachings in the New Testament about serving others? 5. Reflect on a time when you showed kindness to someone in need. How did that experience impact your faith and understanding of God's promises? Connections to Other Scriptures Matthew 25:31-46This passage emphasizes the importance of serving "the least of these," which aligns with the principle that kindness to the poor is akin to serving Christ Himself. James 1:27 This verse highlights pure and undefiled religion as caring for orphans and widows, reinforcing the call to support those in need. Deuteronomy 15:7-11 These verses instruct the Israelites to be open-handed and generous to the poor, reflecting the same spirit of generosity encouraged in Proverbs 19:17.
People Isaiah, SolomonPlaces JerusalemTopics Bestowed, Deed, Favouring, Gives, Gracious, Kind, Lendeth, Lending, Lends, Pay, Pity, Poor, Repay, Repayeth, RewardDictionary of Bible Themes Proverbs 19:17 5230 beggars Library How the Slothful and the Hasty are to be Admonished. (Admonition 16.) Differently to be admonished are the slothful and the hasty. For the former are to be persuaded not to lose, by putting it off, the good they have to do; but the latter are to be admonished lest, while they forestall the time of good deeds by inconsiderate haste, they change their meritorious character. To the slothful therefore it is to be intimated, that often, when we will not do at the right time what we can, before long, when we will, we cannot. For the very indolence of … Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great How the Impatient and the Patient are to be Admonished. Second Journey through Galilee - the Healing of the Leper. The Kingdom of God Conceived as the Inheritance of the Poor. "Boast not Thyself of to Morrow, for Thou Knowest not what a Day May Bring Forth. " The Wrath of God The Unity of God Man's Misery by the Fall Covenanting According to the Purposes of God. The Ninth Commandment The Knowledge of God Christian Meekness The Third Commandment Proverbs Links Proverbs 19:17 NIVProverbs 19:17 NLT Proverbs 19:17 ESV Proverbs 19:17 NASB Proverbs 19:17 KJV Proverbs 19:17 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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