Proverbs 22:9

KJV

¶ He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor.

KJV (with Strong's)

He that hath a bountiful {H2896} eye {H5869} shall be blessed {H1288}; for he giveth {H5414} of his bread {H3899} to the poor {H1800}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He who is generous is blessed, because he shares his food with the poor.

Berean Standard Bible

A generous man will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor.

American Standard Version

He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; For he giveth of his bread to the poor.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 22:9 beautifully articulates a core principle of biblical wisdom: genuine generosity, stemming from an inner disposition of liberality, leads to divine blessing. The proverb posits that a person characterized by a "bountiful eye"—an idiom for a generous spirit—will experience God's favor because their inner kindness naturally manifests in tangible acts of compassion, specifically in sharing their essential resources, like bread, with those in need. This verse encapsulates the interconnectedness of character, action, and divine reward within the wisdom tradition.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 22 is part of the "Sayings of the Wise" (Proverbs 22:17-24:34), a collection of diverse proverbs offering practical wisdom for daily living. This particular verse is nestled among other maxims that address social responsibility, wealth, poverty, and the importance of righteous conduct. For instance, it follows proverbs about the rich and poor meeting ([Proverbs 22:2](/proverbs/22-2 "Proverbs 22:2 - Rich and Poor Meet Together")) and the rich ruling the poor ([Proverbs 22:7](/proverbs/22-7 "Proverbs 22:7 - The Rich Rules the Poor")), providing a counter-narrative that emphasizes the moral obligation of those with resources. It contributes to the broader tapestry of Proverbs, which frequently contrasts the wise and the foolish, the righteous and the wicked, often linking their actions to their ultimate outcomes. The concise, two-part structure of this proverb is typical of wisdom literature, presenting a truth in a memorable, impactful way.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, "bread" (Hebrew _lechem_) was more than just a food item; it was the staple of life, representing sustenance and basic provision. Giving "of his bread" to the poor was thus an act of profound generosity, potentially involving personal sacrifice rather than merely dispensing surplus. Society was largely agrarian, and poverty was a common reality, often resulting from crop failure, debt, or social marginalization. The Mosaic Law contained numerous provisions for the care of the poor, including gleaning laws ([Leviticus 19:9-10](/leviticus/19-9 "Leviticus 19:9-10 - Gleaning Laws for the Poor")), tithing ([Deuteronomy 14:28-29](/deuteronomy/14-28 "Deuteronomy 14:28-29 - Tithing for the Levite, Sojourner, Orphan, and Widow")), and lending without interest ([Deuteronomy 15:7-11](/deuteronomy/15-7 "Deuteronomy 15:7-11 - Lending to the Poor")). The phrase "bountiful eye" (Hebrew _ayin tovah_, literally "good eye") was a common idiom in the ancient Near East, signifying generosity, kindness, and an ungrudging spirit, in stark contrast to an "evil eye" (_ayin ra'ah_), which denoted stinginess, envy, or malice. This proverb therefore speaks directly to a deeply ingrained cultural and religious value concerning social welfare and personal character.

* **Key Themes:** This proverb is rich with several interconnected themes. Firstly, **Generosity and Compassion** are central, portraying a heart that is open and willing to share, particularly with the vulnerable. Secondly, the theme of **Divine Blessing** is prominent, asserting that such acts of kindness are observed and rewarded by God. This blessing is not necessarily material wealth, but can encompass spiritual flourishing, peace, and favor. Thirdly, it highlights **Social Justice and Responsibility**, reminding those with means of their obligation to care for the less fortunate, a theme pervasive throughout the Law and Prophets (e.g., [Amos 5:24](/amos/5-24 "Amos 5:24 - Let Justice Roll Down")). Finally, it underscores the holistic nature of **Wisdom**, demonstrating that true wisdom is not merely intellectual knowledge but a practical, ethical way of living that aligns with God's character and brings about flourishing, both for the individual and the community, as seen throughout [the book of Proverbs](/proverbs "The Book of Proverbs - Wisdom for Living").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **bountiful eye (Hebrew, _ṭôwb 'ayin'_):** This idiomatic phrase combines H2896 (_ṭôwb_), meaning "good" in the widest sense, including beautiful, pleasant, and bountiful, with H5869 (_'ayin_), meaning "eye" but also used figuratively for disposition or outlook. Thus, a "bountiful eye" literally means a "good eye," signifying an inner disposition of generosity, kindness, and an ungrudging spirit. It describes a person who looks upon others, especially the needy, with favor and a desire to give.
* **blessed (Hebrew, _bârak'_):** H1288 (_bârak_) is a primitive root meaning "to kneel," and by implication, "to bless." When God blesses man, it signifies His bestowal of benefit, favor, and well-being, which can manifest in various forms—spiritual, material, relational, or in the form of divine favor and prosperity. It is an act of divine benevolence, a conferring of good.
* **poor (Hebrew, _dal'_):** H1800 (_dal_), derived from a root meaning "dangling," implies weakness, thinness, or being brought low. It refers to those who are needy, weak, or impoverished, often lacking the means for self-sufficiency and therefore vulnerable and dependent on the generosity of others.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He that hath a bountiful eye":** This clause introduces the subject of the proverb, characterizing an individual by their internal disposition. The "bountiful eye" is not merely a physical attribute but a metaphor for a generous and benevolent spirit, a heart that is inclined to give and to see the needs of others with compassion rather than stinginess or indifference. This internal attitude is the wellspring of their actions.
* **"shall be blessed":** This is the promised outcome, a direct consequence of the "bountiful eye." The blessing is from God, indicating divine favor and prosperity. As explored in the Key Word Analysis, this blessing is comprehensive, encompassing various forms of well-being, not exclusively material. It suggests that God honors and rewards those who reflect His own generous nature.
* **"for he giveth of his bread to the poor":** This explanatory clause provides the evidence and concrete manifestation of the "bountiful eye." The act of "giving of his bread" signifies sharing essential sustenance, often at personal cost, rather than merely from surplus. It demonstrates practical compassion and solidarity with the vulnerable, the "poor" (_dal_). This action confirms the internal disposition, making the "bountiful eye" visible and tangible.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 22:9 effectively employs several literary devices to convey its profound truth. The central device is **Idiom**, specifically the phrase "bountiful eye" (Hebrew _ayin tovah_). This idiom is a form of **Metonymy**, where a part (the eye) stands for the whole person's disposition or character. It vividly contrasts with the "evil eye" (or stingy eye), a common ancient Near Eastern expression, thereby highlighting the moral choice. The proverb also uses **Synthetic Parallelism**, where the second half of the verse expands upon or explains the first. "He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed" is clarified and justified by "for he giveth of his bread to the poor," demonstrating the concrete action that defines the "bountiful eye" and the reason for the blessing. This structure establishes a clear **Cause and Effect** relationship: a generous disposition leads to generous actions, which in turn lead to divine blessing.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 22:9 resonates deeply with the broader biblical narrative of God's character and humanity's call to reflect His attributes. God Himself is the ultimate Giver, bountiful in His provision and grace, as seen from creation to redemption. This proverb teaches that human generosity, especially towards the vulnerable, is not merely a social nicety but an imitation of the divine. It underscores the principle that true prosperity, both spiritual and often material, is found not in hoarding but in sharing. The act of giving to the poor is presented not as a burden but as a pathway to blessing, aligning with God's covenantal heart for justice and compassion for the marginalized. This wisdom transcends a transactional view of giving, instead portraying it as an outflow of a transformed heart that trusts in God's ultimate provision.

* [Proverbs 11:25](/proverbs/11-25 "The Liberal Soul Made Fat")
* [Deuteronomy 15:10](/deuteronomy/15-10 "Blessing for Generosity to the Poor")
* [Matthew 5:7](/matthew/5-7 "Blessed Are the Merciful")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This proverb challenges us to examine the disposition of our own "eye"—our inner attitude towards our resources and the needs of others. Do we view what we possess with a tight grip, or with an open hand, ready to share? Cultivating a "bountiful eye" means fostering a spirit of generosity that is proactive, compassionate, and ready to meet tangible needs, even if it means personal sacrifice. In a world often driven by accumulation and self-interest, this verse calls us to counter-cultural living, reminding us that true blessedness comes not from what we gain, but from what we generously give, especially to those who cannot repay us. It encourages us to look beyond our immediate comfort and consider how our "bread"—our time, talents, and material resources—can be extended to uplift the poor and marginalized in our communities, trusting that God will honor such a heart and action.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my "eye" (my inner disposition) reflect generosity or stinginess in my daily life?**
* **In what practical ways can I "give of my bread to the poor" in my current context, considering both material and non-material resources?**
* **Do I truly believe that cultivating a generous spirit leads to God's blessing, even if that blessing is not always immediately apparent or material?**

### FAQ
**Is the blessing promised in this verse always material wealth?**

Answer: Not exclusively. While the wisdom literature often connects righteous living with material prosperity, the "blessing" (Hebrew _bârak_) in this context is comprehensive. It can include spiritual well-being, peace of mind, divine favor, a flourishing reputation, and indeed, often material provision, but it's not a guarantee of riches. The proverb highlights a general principle that generosity aligns with God's character and His way of operating in the world, leading to holistic flourishing. It's a statement about God's economy, where giving can paradoxically lead to abundance, as seen in [Proverbs 11:24](/proverbs/11-24 "Proverbs 11:24 - Giving Increases Wealth"), which states, "There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty."

**What is the deeper meaning of the "bountiful eye"?**

Answer: The "bountiful eye" (Hebrew _ayin tovah_) is an idiom that refers to an internal, generous disposition, a benevolent and ungrudging spirit. It contrasts sharply with the "evil eye" (Hebrew _ayin ra'ah_), which signifies stinginess, envy, or malice. Therefore, it's not about physical sight but about one's inner character and attitude towards others, particularly their needs. It speaks to the heart's inclination to be liberal and compassionate. Jesus later echoed this concept when He said, "The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light" ([Matthew 6:22](/matthew/6-22 "Matthew 6:22 - The Eye as the Lamp of the Body")). A "bountiful eye" signifies a heart full of light, open to giving and blessing.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 22:9 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the embodiment of the "bountiful eye," possessing a perfectly generous and compassionate heart. His entire earthly life was an act of giving: He gave His time to the weary, His healing to the sick, His wisdom to the ignorant, and His presence to the outcast. The pinnacle of His "giving of His bread to the poor" was His sacrificial death on the cross, where He, though rich, became poor for our sakes, that we through His poverty might become rich ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Generosity")). He did not just give of His bread; He gave His very self, His body broken and His blood shed, as the bread of life for a spiritually impoverished humanity ([John 6:51](/john/6-51 "John 6:51 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")). Jesus' teachings consistently emphasized radical generosity and care for the "least of these" ([Matthew 25:31-46](/matthew/25-31 "Matthew 25:31-46 - The Judgment of the Nations")), demonstrating that true blessing flows from a heart poured out in love and service, just as He poured out His life as "a ransom for many" ([Matthew 20:28](/matthew/20-28 "Matthew 20:28 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). In Him, we receive the ultimate blessing—eternal life and reconciliation with God—and are empowered by His Spirit to live with a bountiful eye, reflecting His boundless love.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.

Hebrews 6:10

For God [is] not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.

1 Timothy 6:18

That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;

1 Timothy 6:19

Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

1 Peter 4:9

Use hospitality one to another without grudging.

Acts 20:35

I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.

Hebrews 13:16

But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.