Proverbs 19:17

17 Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender.

Proverbs 19:17 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 19:17

He that hath pity unto the poor lendeth unto the Lord
A man, whose heart is full of compassion to the poor, and whose hands distribute to their necessities, from a true principle of love and charity to men, and with a view to the glory of God, and not from any selfish principle and with a end; such a man's gift to the poor is a loan to the Lord; it is not cast away upon the creature, but is a "depositum" in the hands of God, and shall be returned with advantage; and that which he hath given will, he pay him again;
either in this life, in things temporal and spiritual, increasing his worldly substance, blessing his posterity, granting him larger measures of grace, indulging him with his gracious presence, and giving him peace of mind, which passeth all understanding; or in the world to come; not as a reward of debt, but of grace; see ( Ecclesiastes 11:1 Ecclesiastes 11:2 ) ( Matthew 10:42 ) ( 25:35 ) .

Proverbs 19:17 In-Context

15 Laziness brings on deep sleep, and an idle soul will suffer hunger.

16 He who keeps a commandment preserves his soul, but he who is careless in his ways will die.

17 Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender.

18 Discipline your son, for in that there is hope; do not be party to his death.

19 A man of great anger must pay the penalty; if you rescue him, you will have to do so again.