Proverbs 28:27

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

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}.

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

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

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

Proverbs 28:27 (KJV)

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

Commentary

This Proverb presents a powerful contrast between generosity towards the poor and indifference, outlining the different outcomes associated with each.

Historical and Cultural Context

Proverbs belongs to the wisdom literature of ancient Israel, offering practical guidance for living a life pleasing to God and beneficial to oneself and society. Care for the poor and vulnerable (such as widows, orphans, and sojourners) was a significant aspect of the covenant community's responsibility. Laws and social customs were in place to ensure that the needy were not completely destitute, and neglecting them was seen as a failure to uphold God's justice and compassion.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Principle of Reciprocity: The verse suggests a divine principle where generosity is met with provision ("shall not lack"), while neglect leads to negative consequences ("many a curse"). This isn't a mechanical formula but reflects God's favor towards those who reflect His compassion.
  • Generosity vs. Indifference: The proverb highlights the stark difference between actively giving to the poor and deliberately ignoring their plight. One path leads to blessing, the other to judgment.
  • Security Through Giving: True security and sufficiency ("shall not lack") are found not in hoarding resources but in sharing them with those in need.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "hideth his eyes" (Hebrew: מַעְלִים עֵינָיו, maʿălîm ʿênāyw) is a vivid idiom. It literally means "makes his eyes hidden" or "causes his eyes to be covered." This implies a deliberate act of looking away, refusing to see or acknowledge the suffering of the poor, in order to avoid the obligation to help. It signifies willful ignorance and callousness.

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."
  • Matthew 25:41-45: Jesus' parable of the sheep and the goats emphasizes that how people treat "the least of these" (the poor, hungry, naked, sick, imprisoned) is how they treat Him.
  • 2 Corinthians 9:6: "But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully."

Practical Application or Reflection

This verse is a direct challenge to compassion and action. It calls us to open our eyes to the needs of the poor around us and to respond with generosity. It reminds us that true spiritual and material well-being is often linked to our willingness to share what we have, and that indifference to suffering is not a neutral position but one that invites negative consequences.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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