Proverbs 28:27

KJV

¶ He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.

KJV (with Strong's)

He that giveth {H5414} unto the poor {H7326} shall not lack {H4270}: but he that hideth {H5956} his eyes {H5869} shall have many {H7227} a curse {H3994}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He who gives to the poor will lack nothing, but he who hides his eyes will get curses in plenty.

Berean Standard Bible

Whoever gives to the poor will not be in need, but he who hides his eyes will receive many curses.

American Standard Version

He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack; But he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 28:27 presents a striking antithesis, asserting that those who generously give to the poor will experience divine provision and sufficiency, while those who deliberately ignore the plight of the needy will incur numerous curses. This proverb encapsulates a core principle of biblical wisdom: compassion and practical aid for the vulnerable are met with blessing, whereas callous indifference invites divine disfavor and hardship. It underscores that true security is found not in hoarding, but in reflecting God's compassionate nature through active benevolence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 28 is part of the "Sayings of Solomon" (Proverbs 25-29), a collection characterized by its frequent use of antithetical parallelism, contrasting the paths and outcomes of the righteous and the wicked. This particular verse exemplifies this structure by juxtaposing the generous giver with the indifferent observer, highlighting the clear moral and spiritual consequences of each choice. It sits within a broader section that emphasizes justice, integrity, and the fear of the Lord as foundations for a flourishing life, often linking material prosperity and well-being to ethical conduct and social responsibility. The theme of care for the poor is recurrent throughout the book of Proverbs, reinforcing its importance within the wisdom tradition.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, care for the poor, widows, orphans, and sojourners was not merely an act of charity but a fundamental expression of covenant faithfulness. Mosaic Law established provisions for the vulnerable, such as gleaning laws ([Leviticus 19:9-10](/leviticus/19-9 "Leviticus 19:9-10 - Gleaning for the Poor")), tithes for the needy ([Deuteronomy 14:28-29](/deuteronomy/14-28 "Deuteronomy 14:28-29 - Tithes for the Levite, Sojourner, Orphan, and Widow")), and the prohibition against oppressing the poor ([Exodus 23:6](/exodus/23-6 "Exodus 23:6 - Do Not Deny Justice to the Poor")). These regulations reflected God's own character as a defender of the downtrodden and ensured a basic social safety net. Neglecting the poor was seen not only as a social failing but as a direct affront to God, who identifies with the suffering of the marginalized. Thus, the proverb speaks into a society where generosity was a communal expectation rooted in divine command.
* **Key Themes:** This proverb contributes significantly to several key themes found throughout Proverbs and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Justice and Retribution**, illustrating that God is actively involved in the affairs of humanity, rewarding righteous actions and bringing consequences upon wickedness. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Compassion and Mercy** as a core attribute of God, which believers are called to emulate. To care for the poor is to reflect the very heart of God, who hears the cry of the oppressed ([Psalm 34:6](/psalm/34-6 "Psalm 34:6 - The Poor Man Cried")). Thirdly, it speaks to **Practical Wisdom in Action**, demonstrating that true wisdom is not abstract knowledge but manifests in concrete acts of righteousness, particularly in how one treats the most vulnerable members of society. Finally, it touches on **Security and Provision**, suggesting that genuine security and sufficiency are found not in selfish accumulation but in trusting God's promise to provide for those who honor Him by caring for others, as seen in [Proverbs 11:24-25](/proverbs/11-24 "Proverbs 11:24-25 - Generosity Brings Prosperity").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **giveth (Hebrew, _nâthan'_):** This primitive root is one of the most common verbs in the Hebrew Bible, carrying a vast semantic range including "to give," "to put," "to place," "to grant," or "to deliver." In this context, it denotes an active, intentional bestowal of resources or aid. It implies more than mere passive observation; it is a volitional act of providing for another's need, reflecting a generous spirit and a willingness to share.
* **lack (Hebrew, _machçôwr'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be deficient," _machçôwr_ signifies a state of deficiency, impoverishment, or want. The promise "shall not lack" therefore implies a divine assurance of sufficiency and provision, protecting the generous individual from destitution. It suggests that God will ensure that the needs of the giver are met, preventing them from falling into the very state of poverty they seek to alleviate in others.
* **curse (Hebrew, _mᵉʼêrâh'_):** This noun, stemming from a root meaning "to execrate" or "to bind with an oath," refers to an execration or a curse. In the biblical context, a curse is not merely bad luck but a pronouncement of divine disfavor, leading to adverse consequences, hardship, or even judgment. The phrase "many a curse" emphasizes the severity and multiplicity of negative outcomes that will befall those who willfully ignore the cries of the poor, signifying a profound alienation from God's blessing.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack:"** This clause sets forth a principle of divine reciprocity. The subject is one who actively "gives" (H5414, _nâthan_) to "the poor" (H7326, _rûwsh_, referring to the truly destitute or needy). The action is not merely almsgiving but embodies a compassionate lifestyle of sharing resources. The promised outcome is "shall not lack" (H4270, _machçôwr_), meaning such a person will not experience want or destitution. This is a promise of God's faithful provision, ensuring that those who extend mercy will themselves receive what they need, reflecting a divine economy where generosity leads to sufficiency.
* **"but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse."** This contrasting clause describes the alternative path and its dire consequences. "He that hideth his eyes" is a vivid Hebrew idiom (using H5956, _ʻâlam_, to conceal, and H5869, _ʻayin_, eye) signifying a deliberate act of willful ignorance, callousness, or turning a blind eye to the suffering of others. It implies a conscious refusal to acknowledge or respond to need, often to avoid responsibility or inconvenience. The consequence for such indifference is "many a curse" (H7227, _rab_, many; H3994, _mᵉʼêrâh_, curse), indicating numerous and severe forms of divine disfavor, hardship, or judgment. This highlights that indifference is not a neutral stance but an active rejection of God's compassionate heart, inviting His righteous displeasure.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Proverbs 28:27 is **Antithetical Parallelism**. This structure presents two contrasting lines, where the second line provides a direct opposition or counterpoint to the first, thereby emphasizing the distinct outcomes of two different courses of action. Here, the generosity of the giver is starkly contrasted with the indifference of the one who hides his eyes, and their respective destinies (not lacking vs. many curses) are set in opposition. This device effectively highlights the moral choice and its inevitable consequences. Additionally, the phrase "hideth his eyes" functions as a powerful **Idiom**, a metaphorical expression whose meaning cannot be deduced from the literal words. It vividly conveys the deliberate act of ignoring suffering, implying a conscious effort to avoid seeing or acknowledging the plight of the poor. The use of "many a curse" also contains an element of **Hyperbole** or **Emphasis**, underscoring the severe and multifaceted negative consequences awaiting the uncompassionate.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This proverb deeply embeds the principle that human compassion towards the poor is inextricably linked to divine favor. It reflects God's own character as a benevolent Provider and a righteous Judge. To give to the poor is to mirror God's generosity and justice, recognizing that all possessions ultimately come from Him and are to be stewarded according to His will. Conversely, to neglect the poor is to disregard God's heart for the vulnerable, inviting His displeasure. The proverb teaches that true security and well-being are not found in self-preservation or accumulation, but in aligning one's actions with God's compassionate nature, trusting Him to supply all needs. This is a theological truth that transcends mere human ethics, revealing a divine economy where giving is the path to receiving, and indifference leads to spiritual and practical impoverishment.

* [Proverbs 19:17](/proverbs/19-17 "Lending to the LORD by Giving to the Poor")
* [Deuteronomy 15:7-8](/deuteronomy/15-7 "Open Your Hand to Your Needy Brother")
* [Matthew 25:40](/matthew/25-40 "Whatever You Did for the Least of These")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 28:27 serves as a profound call to active compassion and a stern warning against apathy. It challenges us to look beyond our own immediate needs and comforts, to truly "see" the poor and vulnerable in our midst, and to respond with tangible generosity. In a world often characterized by self-interest and a tendency to compartmentalize suffering, this proverb reminds us that our spiritual health and material well-being are intricately connected to our willingness to share. It's not just about giving money, but about cultivating a heart that is open, empathetic, and responsive to human need, reflecting the very character of God. Indifference, this verse warns, is not a neutral stance; it is a choice with grave consequences, inviting divine disfavor. Therefore, we are called to actively seek opportunities to give, to lend a helping hand, and to advocate for justice, trusting that God will honor our obedience and ensure our own sufficiency. Our security is not in what we hoard, but in the faithful generosity that flows from a heart transformed by grace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this proverb challenge my current understanding of generosity and personal security?**
* **In what specific ways might I be "hiding my eyes" from the needs of the poor or marginalized around me, whether locally or globally?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to extend compassion and tangible help to someone in need, reflecting God's heart?**

### FAQ
**Is the promise "shall not lack" a guarantee of wealth for the generous?**

Answer: No, the promise "shall not lack" (H4270, _machçôwr_) in Proverbs 28:27 is not a guarantee of material riches or extravagant wealth. Instead, it assures sufficiency and divine provision. It means that those who are generous will not fall into destitution or want for their basic needs. God promises to ensure that they have what is necessary, protecting them from the "lack" or "poverty" that the uncompassionate may experience. It speaks to a deeper spiritual and practical well-being, where God's faithfulness ensures that the giver is sustained, often in ways that transcend mere financial prosperity.

**What does "hideth his eyes" truly mean in a modern context?**

Answer: The idiom "hideth his eyes" (H5956, _ʻâlam_, to conceal; H5869, _ʻayin_, eye) signifies a deliberate choice to ignore suffering, to turn a blind eye to poverty, injustice, or distress, often to avoid the inconvenience, discomfort, or cost of helping. In a modern context, this could manifest in various ways: intentionally avoiding news about global humanitarian crises, walking past a homeless person without acknowledging their presence, rationalizing away the needs of others, or refusing to engage with social or systemic issues that demand compassion and action. It represents a willful blindness that prioritizes personal comfort over the moral imperative to care for others.

**Does this proverb imply a works-based righteousness, where giving earns salvation or divine favor?**

Answer: No, Proverbs is wisdom literature, offering practical principles for living a blessed and flourishing life within the covenant relationship with God, not a means of earning salvation. The proverb describes the *outcomes* of righteous living—a life lived in alignment with God's character and commands—rather than the *means* of justification. Generosity towards the poor flows from a heart transformed by God's grace and love, not as a way to earn His favor, but as an expression of it. It demonstrates genuine faith and obedience, which God delights to bless, both spiritually and practically.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 28:27 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the one who perfectly embodied the principle of giving to the poor, not merely in material terms, but by giving His very life. Jesus never "hid His eyes" from the suffering of humanity; instead, He actively sought out the marginalized, healed the sick, fed the hungry, and ministered to the spiritually impoverished ([Matthew 9:35-36](/matthew/9-35 "Jesus' Compassion for the Crowds")). The ultimate act of giving, however, was His sacrifice on the cross. As [2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "Christ's Poverty for Our Riches") declares, "For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich." He became poor in order that we, who were spiritually destitute, might not lack eternal life and spiritual riches. Furthermore, the "many a curse" that the proverb warns against for those who hide their eyes was fully borne by Christ. [Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse") states, "Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us." Through His substitutionary death, Jesus took upon Himself the curses due to humanity's sin and indifference, including the curse of neglecting the poor. Therefore, our ability to give generously flows from the immeasurable generosity of Christ, and our freedom from lack and curse is secured by His ultimate sacrifice. As His followers, we are now called to continue His ministry of compassion, reflecting His self-giving love to a needy world, knowing that when we serve "the least of these," we serve Him ([Matthew 25:34-40](/matthew/25-34 "The King's Judgment")).

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.

Proverbs 11:24

¶ There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and [there is] that withholdeth more than is meet, but [it tendeth] to poverty.

Deuteronomy 15:7

If there be among you a poor man of one of thy brethren within any of thy gates in thy land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not harden thine heart, nor shut thine hand from thy poor brother:

Deuteronomy 15:10

Thou shalt surely give him, and thine heart shall not be grieved when thou givest unto him: because that for this thing the LORD thy God shall bless thee in all thy works, and in all that thou puttest thine hand unto.

Psalms 41:1

¶ To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. Blessed [is] he that considereth the poor: the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble.

Psalms 41:3

The LORD will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing: thou wilt make all his bed in his sickness.

Proverbs 22:9

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