Proverbs 11:25

ยถ The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.

The liberal {H1293} soul {H5315} shall be made fat {H1878}: and he that watereth {H7301} shall be watered {H3384} also himself.

The person who blesses others will prosper; he who satisfies others will be satisfied himself.

A generous soul will prosper, and he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.

The liberal soul shall be made fat; And he that watereth shall be watered also himself.

Commentary

Proverbs 11:25 presents a profound principle of divine reciprocity, illustrating that generosity leads to personal flourishing. This verse, characteristic of Old Testament wisdom literature, teaches that those who are open-handed and benevolent will themselves experience abundance and refreshment.

Context

The Book of Proverbs is a collection of wisdom sayings, often contrasting the paths and outcomes of the righteous and the wicked. Chapters 10-29 contain many individual proverbs that offer practical guidance for daily living, emphasizing the moral order of the universe established by God. This particular proverb falls within a section that highlights the benefits of righteousness and the pitfalls of greed and selfishness. It stands in contrast to the idea that hoarding wealth brings security, suggesting instead that true prosperity comes through giving, a theme echoed throughout biblical wisdom. For instance, the preceding verse, Proverbs 11:24, also speaks of giving leading to increase.

Key Themes

  • Generosity and Liberality: The phrase "the liberal soul" refers to a person characterized by generosity, open-handedness, and a willingness to share. This isn't merely about financial giving, but a spirit of benevolence that extends to time, compassion, and resources. It describes a heart that is eager to bless others.
  • Divine Reciprocity: The promise "shall be made fat" and "shall be watered also himself" speaks to a spiritual law of sowing and reaping. "Made fat" is a Hebrew idiom for prosperity, abundance, and spiritual refreshment, implying well-being and flourishing. Just as one who "watereth" provides life-giving refreshment to others, they will inevitably receive refreshment themselves. This principle is not a transactional formula for manipulating God, but an assurance of God's blessing upon those who mirror His generous nature. This concept is beautifully expounded by Paul in 2 Corinthians 9:6-8, where he encourages cheerful giving, promising that God will make all grace abound.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "liberal soul" is nephesh barakah (ื ึถืคึถืฉื ื‘ึฐึผืจึธื›ึธื”), which literally means "soul of blessing" or "blessing soul." This emphasizes that the very character of the person is one that brings blessing to others. The phrase "shall be made fat" comes from the Hebrew dasha (ื“ึธึผืฉึทืืŸ), meaning to be refreshed, prosperous, or enriched. It evokes an image of being well-nourished and thriving. "He that watereth" uses the verb shakah (ืฉึธืืงึธื”), to give drink, to irrigate, or to refresh, vividly portraying the act of providing life-sustaining aid to others.

Practical Application

Proverbs 11:25 encourages believers to cultivate a spirit of generosity, not out of obligation, but from a heart that desires to bless. This wisdom applies to all aspects of life:

  • Financial Giving: It reinforces the biblical principle of tithing and offerings, assuring that faithful giving opens the door for God's blessings.
  • Acts of Service: Giving of one's time, skills, and energy to serve others, whether in the church or community, brings inexplicable joy and spiritual enrichment.
  • Emotional and Spiritual Support: Being a source of encouragement, compassion, and wisdom for those in need is a form of "watering" that often results in one's own spirit being lifted. As Jesus taught, "Give, and it shall be given unto you."

This verse serves as a powerful reminder that true abundance in life is often found not in what we accumulate, but in what we release for the benefit of others. It invites us to trust in God's economy, where generosity is the pathway to true prosperity and refreshment.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Matthew 5:7

    Blessed [are] the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

  • 2 Corinthians 9:6

    ยถ But this [I say], He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.

  • 2 Corinthians 9:9

    (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever.

  • Isaiah 58:7

    [Is it] not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?

  • Isaiah 58:11

    And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.

  • Matthew 25:34

    Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

  • Matthew 25:35

    For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
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